The Guy in the Glass

by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

The poem above has had special meaning since college when I was given an opportunity to do some self reflection after reading this poem.

Twenty-one years later, I still look back on this poem time and time again.  As I reflect on the process of growth and change as I become a member of the academy of folks that call themselves "doctors of education", I see this imagery of a mirror, of reflection, as a reminder to keep focus and priorities in line.

In the next two weeks, we have a practicum due, a final video due, and a PDD due, all in groups.  Sometimes these groups work smoothly, sometimes there is conflict.  Conflict that comes from a difference in direction, a difference in importance, a difference in ability, a difference in priorities, a difference in culture.  In addition to this, I have final work due as well for my dissertation which I am working on solely.

So, looking in the glass mirror, I am saying to myself, Todd:

Stay focused and on track, never mind all the rest,
your family is your mission to the end,
keep priorities straight, pass that final test
then the guy in the glass is your friend

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
and get pats on the back as you pass,
your family will walk with you through heartache and tears
standing beside the guy in the glass

Selfishness brings solitude, loss of vision,
integrity and honesty are my advice
selflessness blesses beyond imagination
your mission is a life of sacrifice