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.
Leave a guest comment (subject to review)
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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Glad i found it.
From guest Meg (contact)
We had to learn this poem in 7th grade and i remember loving it so much i framed it and hung it in my room growing up. I still have that framed poem and I love to read it from time to time. It says so much about the way we must live. -
We had to learn and recite "Myself"
From guest Sonia N. Owens (contact)
I will never forget this poem "Myself" because we had to learn and recite it for a passing grade when I was in elementary school, I believe 6th grade. My teacher Mrs. Walker taught us the meaning and value of this poem. My friends and I always try to see who knows the poem in its entirety. I always forget the last part so I am pleased to have found it on the net. The next time I get together with my friends I will win the competition because I am going to study like I did at Vashon High School in St.Louis,MO. By the way, I do live my life "self respecting and conscience free". -
Slight disagreement
I have to disagree with the last line of the poem. I don't believe he wants to be 'conscience free'. I interpret 'conscience free' to mean not having a conscience. If that were the case, we could do anything, no matter how heinous, without regrets. I think he meant 'conscience free' to be the same as a clean conscience, but is being constricted by the rhyme pattern. But then again, he may think of 'conscience free' as being a conscience that has no regrets and is free from guilt. I think I'm thinking too much, but a poem that makes you think is a good poem. -
Myself
From guest Debra vonBrandt (contact)
This poem was NOT written by Edgar Albert Guest but was written in 1993 by Debra vonBrandt. Please contact me at dvonbrandt@hotmail.com -
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Further discussion
ht tp://books.google.com/books?id=4q4UAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=%22I+ have+to+live+with+myself+and+so%22#v=onepage&q=%22I%20have%20to%20live%20with%20myself%20and%20so%22&f=false
A copy of the poem 'Myself' written by Edgar Albert Guest has been located in a 1919 volume of the book mentioned above. It would appear that you are mistaken about this particular poem.
Regards,
Von - Oldpoetry Team -
conundrum
As you see by the comments here alone there is proof that this poem has been around for 50 years or more. One of the comments here dates it back to 1935.
As far as we can tell it was written by Guest, perhaps you might furnish more information so that an amicable outcome may be reached.
Oldpoetry Team - Von
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poem first read in HS
From guest Francis R. Taormina (contact)
This poem was in oor scool handbook at Marlboro Central High School in Marlboro, New York 1936-1946. -
About The Poem "Myself"
From guest mariela (contact)
I loved it and hoping to read another lovely poem
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Powerful and timely message
From guest Kathy Maisonville (contact)
This poem was recited to me by a camp director probably 50 years ago. I've never forgotten the first few lines and just "Googled" it. Still the sentiment resonates with me. -
cute
From guest SaraFerSure (contact)
I really enjoy this poem. I have a project in drama class and I'm supposed to find a poem at least 20 lines and this is perfect
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meaning of it all
From guest JUDE (contact)
i can never hide myself from me,i see what others may never see,i know what others may never know. -
edgar a guest
From guest vicki lynne (contact)
I just found a copy of this poem signed Edgar A Guest and dated Feb.19, 1935 I'm wondering if it may be worth something -
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Newspaper article
From guest Kathleen (contact)
I just found a copy of this poem in the Bible of my recently passed Mother. The date in the Bible was 1933 and I'm guessing that the copy, now yellowed and fragile is the same. The words fit my Mom and the way she lived her life. -
Myself
From guest Wilma Trice (contact)
I love your poems. They are very inspirational. Many years ago, my high school teacher required the class to memorize this poem. It has been recited several times in my church by our youth. Thanks for makig it available. i appreciate what the words mean and i enjoy sharing them whenever possible. -
A worthy goal for everyone to aim for. How can a person rest in peace if they do not like themselves in life.
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Maybe more people should read this kind of thing and take some of it to heart. Edgar Guest is old fashioned in his style but no one can say this isn't true.
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Thank you;
From guest Ervin Smith (contact)
This poem was recited in my church many years ago, but I had not been able to find it until now. I use it as a developmental tool for young men and ladies. Thank you so much. -
A poem to live by
From guest Aida Talic (contact)
What a great poem, it describes the way i want to function in life... -
Good words to live by. No one knows the real 'me' except the person living in the skin of 'me'. To be able to be critical on one's self is a gift that should be treasured. We are never too old to learn more about ourselves either as life progresses and new events, happy or sad, change our lives for ever. Self respect is one target everyone should aim for.
Von~ -
MYSELF
From guest Sheila Warren (contact)
Many years ago, my high school principal had us memorize this poem. Thanks for making it available, because I always remembered the first part and had forgotten the rest.
MOD MESSAGE
You're welcome! -
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MYSELF
From guest Pamela MIller Girton Lininger (contact)
I LOVE THIS POEM! My mother introduced me to the writings of Edgar Guest and his poetry has had a profound influence upon my life.
Thank you for making it available!
MOD MESSAGE
You're welcome
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MYSELF
From guest JESSSICA (contact)
I LOVE THIS POEM IT IS NICE MY TEACHER HAVE US TALKIN ABOUT IT AT SCHOOL IT IS REALLY AWESOME -
Myself
From guest William Chastang (contact)
I learned this poem when I was in third grade. I have never forgotten it. I can still recite it like I learned to then. I can still appreciate what the words mean and I share it whenever possible. -
Myself
From guest Jill (from New Orleans) (contact)
In the early 60's I was president of the New Homemakers of America. At the Mother/Daughter banquette, along with alot of other rituals, I had to recite this poem. The poem stuck with me and on other occasions I shared the poem. However as time passed parts of it escaped me. Today I work in the mental health field and wanted to give the poem to some of my clients. I knew if I did a search I would find it. Thanks. -
Myself
From guest Angela Quiroz (contact)
I learned this poem in the 11th grade. That was 25 years ago and I can recite it as well today as I did then. I was so impressed and moved by the words of this poem that I made a copy of it and I keep it with me at all times. -
myself
From guest Robert mark Gilliland (contact)
as a young child I was given this poem to memorize as an asignment and after all these years i still try to live by these words the teacher was miss Anderson in lugolf elgin middle school what a teacher and 28 or so years latter I give the poem to teachers ,students and even soldeirs it's something to live with or bye -
This Poem has made me a better person!
From guest Carol (contact)
I first read this poem in Ann Landers column in our local news paper. I was 16. I have kept this poem with me for 31 years! It finally got old and yellow, so I printed out a new one and have it on my refrigerator so that I can remember these words as I face lifes daily challenges. Thank you Edgar -
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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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