So my awesome mother, who is a member of the Tabernacle Choir, gave this poem to all of us recently that they had as part of their weekly broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word and I think its message is something that all people should consider. I'll share it here:
"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 don't want to stand with the setting
sun
And hate myself for the things I've
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 that nobody else will
know
The kind of man I really am;
I don't want to dress myself up 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
pelf,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to think as I come and go
That I'm 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.
"
There's a lot to be said for just being your true self and not hiding behind masks. We all do it, and it would help society out a lot if we stopped. The people we really are are far more beautiful than the masks we wear.
