Short Poems & Quotes

The Man In The Glass Poem

Be inspired by the Man in the Glass poem which is a famous short poem. It was originally written in 1934 by (Peter) Dale Wimbrow and is one that has inspired and encouraged thousands of people. It has sometimes been referred to as the guy in the glass. But whether we use the term man or guy the meaning of the poem remains unchanged.

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The Man In The Glass

Analysis Of The Poem

Poet Info

Frequently Asked Questions

The poem emphasizes the importance of self-honesty and integrity. It reminds readers that the most critical judgment comes from within. No matter how others perceive you, if you can’t face yourself in the mirror with pride, external validation is meaningless.

By Catherine Pulsifer, Updated September 9, 2024

Poems About Life / The Man In The Glass Poem

The Man In The Glass

Poet: Peter "Dale" Wimbrow

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest!
For he’s with you clear up to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back, as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears,
If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

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Analysis Of The Poem

This is a great poem, one which reminds us that when we look into the mirror (whether you are a man or a woman) it is ourselves that we have to answer to or live with. It's not what others say or think - it is up to us what we do or say. Sometimes in life, we end up listening to others or we care too much about what others will think. To live a fulfilled life we must set our own goals, not the goals of others.

The man in the mirror only has himself looking back at him, and he is the one at the end of the day who has to account for what he has or has not done! We also must not think too highly of ourselves. When you answer the questions of what your purpose in life is then when you look in the mirror you know whether or not you are fulfilling or using your gifts the way you should.

Do we allow others to pat us on the back for things we haven't done? We must answer to ourselves. We know at the end of the day if we did right or if we did wrong. Are we following our dreams or the dreams of others?

So when you look in the mirror what do you see?

This poem is often found in graduation poems as a reminder to the new graduate to always be themselves. It is often found in poems of encouragement as the poem encourages us to be true to ourselves and to follow our dreams.

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Poet Info

Peter Dale Wimbrow was born on June 6, 1896, in Whaleyville, Maryland, USA. He died on January 26, 1954. He was a composer and a radio artist. He is also known as a writer, and The Man in The Glass Poem (or The Guy in The Glass Poem) was one of his best pieces of writing and is known all over the world.

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But your final reward will be heartaches and tears, If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears, If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of "The Man in the Glass" poem?
- The poem emphasizes the importance of self-honesty and integrity. It reminds readers that the most critical judgment comes from within. No matter how others perceive you, if you can’t face yourself in the mirror with pride, external validation is meaningless.

What is the origin or history of "The Man in the Glass"?
- Dale Wimbrow first published the poem in 1934 in The American Magazine. It was later widely circulated, and over the years, it has been used in various motivational and self-help contexts.

What is the significance of the "glass" in the poem?
The "glass" in the poem symbolizes a mirror, representing self-reflection and personal accountability. It serves as an inspirational reminder that the person you see in the mirror is the one whose opinion holds the most significance. The image encourages readers to seek validation from within, promoting inner strength and integrity over external approval.

Why is "The Man in the Glass" popular in motivational or self-help contexts?
- The poem's message resonates with people seeking self-improvement and personal growth. Its focus on self-reflection and living with integrity makes it a powerful tool for individuals aiming to live authentically and responsibly.

Is there a connection between "The Man in the Glass" and other works on self-reflection?
- The themes of this poem echo ideas found in philosophical works that emphasize self-awareness and personal morality, such as Socrates' notion that "the unexamined life is not worth living." It also aligns with modern self-help literature focused on inner fulfillment rather than external approval. Another famous poet, Madeline S. Bridges, has a similar message in her poem "Life is a Mirror".

Life Is The Mirror
Poet: Madeline S. Bridges

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave.
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best you have.
And the best shall come back to you.

Give love, and love to your heart will flow,
A strength in your utmost need;
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.

Give truth, and your gifts will be paid in kind,
And song a song will meet;
And the smile which is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.

Give pity and sorrow to those who mourn;
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thought outborne,
Though the sowing seemed in vain.

For life is the mirror of king and slave,
'Tis just what you are and do;
Then give to the world the best you have.
And the best will come back to you.

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