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 in the eye.
I don’t want to stand with the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I’ve done.
I want to go out with my held erect.
I want to deserve all men’s respect .
For here in the struggle for fame and self,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know,
I’m blister, a bluff, and an empty show.
I never could 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 happened, I want to be
Self-Respecting, and Conscience free.
******
I hope this poem helps most of you think about yourselves.
******
