"Your perspective on life is one that I strive to have.
You have a great attitude."

Robert Herron
CAB, Executive Director Univesity of South Florida

I first saw this poem in 1977. It was on the back cover of the program for the 202nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas (My alma mater). I spent most of the night looking at that program instead of looking at my blind date, and the poem has been on at least one mirror in my house or office since November 10, 1977. I share it here with you.

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

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight-shootin' chum
And call you 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.

He's the fellow 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 man in the glass is your friend.

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

Print this out, put it on your mirror, and read it every day. I do!

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