MYSELF

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 dont want to stand with the setting sun

And hate myself for the things Ive done.

I dont 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 man I really am;

I dont want to dress myself up in sham.

I want to go out with my head erect,

I want to deserve all mens respect;

But here in this struggle for fame and pelf,

I want to be able to like myself.

I dont want to think as I come and go

That Im bluster and a bluff or just an 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!