The Guy in the Glass

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,
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life,
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the fella 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 can fool the whole world through 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 guy in the glass.

-anonymous