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 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 shame.
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.
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 shame.
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.
Analysis and Review by Okoro Amarachi Anastasia
This poem written by By Edgar Albert Guest expresses the importance of self-reflection and self-acceptance. The speaker desires to live a life of integrity, free from secrets and falsehoods. The poem's central idea is that one's opinion of oneself is of utmost importance, regardless of external validation or success.
The poem's simple and direct language conveys its message effectively. The repetition of "I want" and "I don't want" creates a sense of urgency and determination. The use of contrasting imagery, such as "setting sun" and "head erect," highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Looking at the structure and form of the poem, it is a free verse poem with rhyme scheme and rhythm. It has figure of speech or poetic devices such as repetition, metaphors, alliteration, etc.
Overall, this poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of living a life in accordance with one's values and beliefs. It encourages readers to strive for authenticity and self-respect, regardless of external circumstances.
Personally, I love this poem for teaching self authenticity and self discovery, regarding what people will say or think. It emphasize on Inner freedom, peace and self-acceptance, even if difficult to achieve. It is not a lie to say that we are too influenced by others' opinions on us, constantly changing and adapting according to that and forgetting to be ourself. But ourself is all we will ever have.