Monday, March 31, 2008

Man In The Glass

I recently became aware of this poem written by Dale Wimbrow in 1934. Part of what drives me is living up to the potential I believe I have; in other words when I look in the mirror I want to know I was honest with myself and gave everything my best:

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

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

He's the fellow to please - never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear to the end,
And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man 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 man in the glass.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this. It's been a few years since I've seen this. We all spend a lot of time worrying about what we're doing for other folks. I've read all of your blog entries. Very interesting. While our paths/stories are very different, I'm desparate for information and stories on how others are handling BG levels during exercise. I'm not trying to do marathon style events or Ironman's. Just a little biking. In my dreams, I'm similar to Lance Armstrong. In reality, it's much sadder than that!! :-)

Corey

Scott K. Johnson said...

I like this Ed, I like it quite a bit!

Thank you for sharing!

Dances with Corgis said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

i just wanted 2 tell u the whole premise of ur blog is crap. "I'm determined to prove that through HOURS AT THE GYM and determination Type 1 diabetes does not have to affect one's life."

so in order to control my type 1, i have to slave away hours at the gym? that sucks i would rather have my ears grated off with a cheese grater.

i hate working out except for going for walks with my wife and sometimes my daughter. do u have any advice for someone whose not a yuppy like you and cannot afford to go to the gym for hours every day slaving away as you state?

Anonymous said...

i discovered i had diabetes when i was 16 before wrestling season. I like yourelf was determined to deal with it head on. I can't over state how important working out is. I am now 44 years old and have had no problems. I do personal training on the side and am very active which along with diet have been the key for me at least. It hasn't been easy but few things are. I don't have perfect sugars all the time and long ago i realized that is an unatainable goal. I didn't post with the intent to talk about myself but to say that i am inspired by your outlook and your commitment. Your attitude is great!