The Man in the Mirror

The Fourth of July always makes me think of my military days.

I'm not sure I've ever shared this on the blog, but I spent 9 years in the United States Air Force, first as a cadet at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, then as the most mediocre logistics officer in service history.

During my cadet days, the following poem inspired me, and has stayed with me lo these many moons since:

The Man in the Mirror

When you get all you want and you struggle for self,

and the world makes you king for a day,

then go to the mirror and look at yourself

and see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your mother, your father or wife

whose judgement upon you must pass,

but the man, 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 right to the end,

and you've passed your most difficult test

if the man in the glass is your friend.

You can fool the whole world,

down the highway of years,

and take pats on the back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

if you've cheated the man in the glass.


Hey, it's not Coleridge, but were truer words ever written?