Myself

I have to live with myself, and so...

I want to be fit for myself to know

I want to be able as the days go by

Always to look myself straight in the eye

I don't want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf

A lot of secrets about myself...

And fool myself as I come and go

Into thinking that nobody else will know,

The kind of man (or woman) I really am.

I don't want to dress myself in shame.

I want to go out with my head erect;

I want to deserve all men's respect.

And, here in the struggle for fame and se

If I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to think, as I come and go

That I am bluster and bluff and empty show.

I can never hide myself from me.

I see what others may never see;

I know what others may never know

I can never fool myself!

And so -- whatever happens I want to be

Self respecting and conscience free!!!!

-- Edgar A. Guest