My good buddy is visiting for the weekend. She gave me a photograph of her and I in her swimming pool over the summer in California. In the photo, we are close together with our arms supporting one another. The caption reads:
The Best Mirror is an Old Friend.
Her gift reminded me of the true gift of friendship, beyond the giggles and tears, and pure joy of spending time together, I am learning about myself and my journey through my friend—a reflection of me.
I was also reminded of my favorite poem by Dale Wimbrow.
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
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 might think you’re 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 to the end
And you’ve passed you most dangerous test
If the guy in the glass is your friend
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get 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.
Written by Dale Wimbrow 1895-1954
Everyday Asperger's 
loved this. u are very talented with words
I didn’t write the poem. 🙂
i am sorry, but it was still very good
I’m glad you’re getting to enjoy some good, loving company:)))
I am so happy for you Sam , nothing brightens up a day and soul like a good friend….
Wish you both lovely times 🙂
love the poem!!!! yup! that’s absolutely true! who else in the world but yourself, really…if you can’t come to terms with yourself — nobody can…like me on finding out about myself, i have to accept myself and realize i was born this way…i have to love the way i am before anyone else can…thanks for the the wonderful insight, Sam (on self-realization/acceptance) 🙂 🙂 glad you had a wonderful time with your friend…happy for you, Sam {{{{hugssss}}}}
I think we all know how hard it is to please the “man in the glass”. I know that I am having much more luck since my stroke as it reset those stupid filters that told me I was worthless. I know see myself as someone worth knowing and who has talents. My new job is discovering those talents and letting them loose.
Great job once again, Sam. You have me thinking.
Scott
Thank you for sharing Sam!! I thoroughly enjoyed!!!
Thank you for reading! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed.
“The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass’ loved the poem very much.
Love and agree. Which is why I made it my business to see my closest friend when I was in NY last weekend. So important.
Yes! Glad you got to see your NY friend.
It’s a really beautiful poem. This poem describes “Whose judgement does actually matter to us?” so beautifully. Thanks a lot Sam, for giving me link to this post. I loved this piece of writing.