#21 | The Person in the Glass: A Mirror to Your Truth
The Person In The Glass ~ by Dale Wimbrow
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that person has to say.
For it isn't your father, or mother, or partner
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The person whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
It’s the person to please never mind all the rest
For that person is with you, clear to the end
And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the person in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the person in the glass.
Originally written using the word “man,” this poem has been respectfully updated to use “person”—a subtle but powerful shift that opens its wisdom to everyone. The message remains unchanged: the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.
This poem is not just about integrity—it’s about identity. It reminds us that no matter how much external success we achieve, the real measure of our life is internal. The mirror doesn’t care about your titles, your followers, your bank account, or your applause. It reflects your truth. And only you know whether that reflection is honest.
We live in a world that rewards performance, but this poem asks: Are you living in alignment with your values, or just playing a role? It’s easy to impress others. Much harder to impress yourself.
The person in the glass is with you from beginning to end. They see the compromises, the quiet betrayals, the moments of courage, and the choices that no one else notices. You can fool the world—but not the mirror.
Questions to Reflect On
These aren’t questions to answer quickly. They’re meant to stir something deeper:
When I look in the mirror, do I see someone I respect—or someone I’ve been avoiding?
What parts of myself have I compromised to gain approval from others?
If the person in the glass is my lifelong companion, what kind of relationship have I built with them?
What truths have I buried that the mirror still reflects back at me?
If life is not a dress rehearsal, what am I waiting for to start living authentically?
What would change if I stopped performing and started aligning with who I really am?