Some good teacher, I know not who, introduced me to this poem. It was written in 1919 by Edgar A. Guest. You probably know it, and maybe memorized it. I think it is worth starting a new week with.
MYSELF
I have to live with myself and so
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as 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 have 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 no one else will know
the kind of person I really am,
I don't want to dress up myself in sham.
I want to go out with my head erect.
I want to deserve all men's respect;
but here in the struggle for fame and wealth
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
that I'm bluster and bluff and empty show.
I never can hide myself from me;
I see what others may never see.
I know what others may never know,
I never can fool myself and so,
whatever happens I want to be
self respecting and conscience free.
Edgar Albert Guest
