The poem is about looking at oneself honestly in the mirror and gaining self-approval rather than living to please others. It encourages viewing one's true self as reflected in the mirror as the most important judge, and warns that a life lived while deceiving oneself will ultimately lead to heartache. The key message is that one must be able to look themselves in the eye with integrity in order to find inner peace.

1. The Guy in the Glass This poem is about integrity and honesty to oneself. The author is Dale Wimbrow (1895-1954), who wrote it in 1934. Here it is: Enjoy & Share it.

2. 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. The word pelf in the first line means “wealth.” The word self is often incorrectly substituted.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. I recommend you follow the instructions in the 3rd and 4th lines of the poem literally, even if just for a couple minutes. Look yourself in the eye and listen to your thoughts. Is the guy in the glass your friend? Xiby PowerPoint Show