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 have 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 no one else will ever know
The kind of person I really am,
I don't want to dress up myself 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 wealth
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know that
I am 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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Comments
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Myself
From guest Fanny (contact)
I have loved this poem since I first heard it early in my youth (probably about 40 years ago. It has helped me be a better person as I went through my teen years and grew into an adult. It has definitely made a difference in my life. Thanks to Edgar A. Guest. -
Myself by Edgar a. Guest
From guest Shafonterricia Polk (contact)
I really love your work with the words in this poem. I have just read it today and already I can't get enough of it. -
Myself, by Edgar Guest
From guest Ruth Marino (contact)
Thank you very much! I have liked this poem for 50 years or so but couldn't remember it all. It occurred to me this was the place to look. Thank you very much. -
Edgar Guest Poem, Myself
From guest Ruth Marino (contact)
Thank you, it just occurred to me this was the place to find this poem. I've loved ot for about 50 years, but couldn't remember all the couplets. -
From guest Meri (contact)
This poem is very personal. I like it. It was very intesting how you did quite a bit of puring of your heart, I mean:D. Nice Work! ~~Meri~~ -
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From guest Sherae Elizabeth (contact)
i think this is a great poem. i can relate to it because i have so many secrets from the people i am around they think i am someone i am not... and its making me be that person i want them to think i am instead of me just being me i get so used to acting different i cant separate the 2 sometimes and it hurts...i need to be myself, and accept myself i just don't know how to yet -
Thanks for the memories
From guest Rev. Dr. Allie J. Harper, Jr. (contact)
Thanks for this site. I have been looking for the poem since I learned it in the 8th grade some 40 years ago. It remains in my heart and I want to teach it to my children. Love you! -
We learned this at church in the 60s
From guest Nicole Davis (contact)
Our youth group learned this poem, we all had to know it and recite it on demand at our church. It has helped me down through the years, we need to teach young people the essence of this poem. They probably would have more self respect and repect for others. I've been looking for this peom for years. -
poem from my youth
From guest Alane Kinn (contact)
thanks for this site. I was looking for this poem - My 5th grade teacher read it to us (40 years ago). I still remember it - and wanted to share it with my son's 5th grade class. -
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Who Said
From guest Annie Morris (contact)
Hey, i had a question a top secret on for the owner of the poem! I simply loved it and so on so forth! get bck to me asap! thx -
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Very affirming poem. Reminds me of the character Polonius (from Hamlet): "To thine own self be true." Self-examination is so important--checking motives, actions, etc. We only have one life, so honesty with ourselves will help us to be the people we ought to be.
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I think the poem was good too, because it showed a lot of preferance to the real world and how people really think on the inside and anyone who doesnt think or feel the same is wrong
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I think it was an extemely good poem i liked it a lot because it reminded me of myself
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Kasia - Sham - is another word for pretence. Giving a false impression. I beleive he's saying that he wants to be respected for who his is and to hold his head high because of who he is.
~Von~ -
This does have good flow to it. However, I feel it would best be in a paragraph instead of lines. What I read is more of a paragraph of what one feels instead of the typical poetic soul searching poetry. Nonetheless, it is very good and more people should feel this same way.
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Very nice. I can definitely relate. I think a lot of people can. Great flow. Great write. <3 Jen
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This flowed so nicely, you choose an excellent rhythm and words to get the reader into the writers feelings. Well done
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Hey, wonderful write. This is the first "Old Poem" I have read, and it makes me want to read more. The flow was great and I enjoyed the read. Good subject to write on: not wanting to hold onto secrets anymore and pretend you're someone you're not. Great poem. Thank you for sharing.
~~Kasia
P.S. The more I look at it, the more it looks meant to be done, but I'm throwing it out there just in case: "sham." = "shame"?! I don't know. Like I say, it is my first "Old Poetry", so maybe it is an "old poetry" word, or you were just making it rhyme. Whatever, it is still good!! -
Hi Tammy,
pelf is an informal term for money.
Andrew -
A worthy goal to be sure. A couple of things though. I don't think pelf is a word and you spelt a couple of words wrong. However, the rhyme was good and the flow very nice. You had the style down very good. A very well written piece. Thank you for sharing
Tammy -
I liked this poem a lot. It rhymed and flowed nicely, other than a few lines near the end. But i liked your referrence to 'conscience'. Because i find that topic very interesting. Great job on your poem.
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