"MYSELF"
by Edgar A. Guest
I have to live with myself, and
so
I want to be fit for myself to
know;
I want to be able as days go
by
Always to look myself straight
in the eye;
I don't want to stand with the
setting sun
And hate myself for the things
I've done.
I don't want to keep on a closet
shelf
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and
go
Into thinking that nobody else
will know
The kind of a man I really am;
I don't want to dress myself
up in sham.
I want to go out with my head
erect,
I want to deserve all men's respect;
But here in the struggle for
fame and pelf,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to think as I come
and go
That I'm bluster and bluff and
empty show.
I never can hide myself from me,
I see what others may never see,
I know what others may never
know,
I never can fool myself --- and
so,
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscience
free.
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