The Man In The Glass Poem

Table of Contents

• The Man In The Glass
• Analysis Of The Poem
• Poet Info
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Man In The Glass

Poet: Peter "Dale" Wimbrow

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 judgment 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.

Analysis Of The Poem

So when you look in the mirror what do you see?

Poet Info

Quotes about Being Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the meaning of "The Man in the Glass" poem?
  - The poem emphasizes the importance of self-honesty and integrity. It reminds readers that the most critical judgment comes from within. No matter how others perceive you, if you can’t face yourself in the mirror with pride, external validation is meaningless.



• What is the origin or history of "The Man in the Glass"?
  - Dale Wimbrow first published the poem in 1934 in The American Magazine. It was later widely circulated, and over the years, it has been used in various motivational and self-help contexts.



• What is the significance of the "glass" in the poem?
  The "glass" in the poem symbolizes a mirror, representing self-reflection and personal accountability. It serves as an inspirational reminder that the person you see in the mirror is the one whose opinion holds the most significance. The image encourages readers to seek validation from within, promoting inner strength and integrity over external approval.



• Why is "The Man in the Glass" popular in motivational or self-help contexts?
  - The poem's message resonates with people seeking self-improvement and personal growth. Its focus on self-reflection and living with integrity makes it a powerful tool for individuals aiming to live authentically and responsibly.



• Is there a connection between "The Man in the Glass" and other works on self-reflection?
  - The themes of this poem echo ideas found in philosophical works that emphasize self-awareness and personal morality, such as Socrates' notion that   "the unexamined life is not worth living." It also aligns with modern self-help literature focused on inner fulfillment rather than external approval. Another famous poet, Madeline S. Bridges, has a similar message in her poem "Life is a Mirror".
  
  Life Is The Mirror
  Poet: Madeline S. Bridges
  
  There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave.
  There are souls that are pure and true;
  Then give to the world the best you have.
  And the best shall come back to you.
  
  Give love, and love to your heart will flow,
  A strength in your utmost need;
  Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
  Their faith in your word and deed.
  
  Give truth, and your gifts will be paid in kind,
  And song a song will meet;
  And the smile which is sweet will surely find
  A smile that is just as sweet.
  
  Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn;
  You will gather in flowers again
  The scattered seeds from your thought outborne,
  Though the sowing seemed in vain.
  
  For life is the mirror of king and slave,
  'Tis just what you are and do;
  Then give to the world the best you have.
  And the best will come back to you.


Back to Table of Contents