Myself by Edgar Albert Guest: One of The Best Poems About Integrity

Myself by Edgar A. Guest reflects on the importance of living with honesty and self-respect. It highlights the need to stay true to one’s values and be proud of the person you are when facing yourself.
Myself, by Edgar Albert Guest
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 look at myself and know
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.
Reflection on the Poem "Myself" by Edgar A. Guest
This poem reminds us that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. It teaches that honesty, integrity, and self-respect are key to living a life we can be proud of, no matter what others may think or say.
It also shows that we cannot hide from who we truly are. By staying true to our values and acting with sincerity, we can find peace within ourselves and face life with confidence and dignity.

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