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,
...
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Alll my classmates had to learn and recite this poem in Mrs Bronaugh's English Class.
I learned this poem back in the 1940’s, and still try to go by it’s lessons. I was in grammar school at the time. Never forgot it....
I could imagine how innocent a boy would be, being utterly moved by simple words…to make them not so simple, yet apply them to his life … and flourish!
I learn this poem in the 12 the grade in High School. It was use to build self worth in your self. I had never forgotten it.
This is one of my favorite poems. My grandmother taught it to me, and I had to recite it at talent shows and church programs. My first cousin recited it with me.
I had to memorize this poem as a child. It has always stuck with me. At 65, I still love it.
My mother had me memorize this poem as a child. IT IS Still and always pertinent and applicable. Worthy of keeping current.
i liked the poem very much and i hope you make more poems just like this one i read
This poem rocks good job Edgar Albert Guest i love your poem!
i love this poem LOveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
This is not the poem as it was written by the Edgar Guest. I see see two places where words were changed. Man changed to person and pelf changed to wealth. I don't know if the changes were made by this website or if they just ignorantly published an incorrect version of this poem. It is not within anyone's prerogative to change the words of an authors work. If you don't understand a word such as pelf don't assume it's wrong. Look it up and learn something.
I really wish you feminist and politically correcting a-holes would stop changing the texts of great poetry. You folks remind me of the same jerks that would want to put clothes on the statues from Michelangelo or alter the great paintings that do not depict your moral principles. The 11th line is supposed to read: The kind of man I really am, not person. Please look up the poem before you post someones altered version. Edgar A. Guest was a man, he wrote the poem about himself, not the feminist a-holes out there that want to push their BS on everyone else. If you don't agree, then please, write a poem yourself and not alter someones to support your views. Thanx
Like this new term "humans"! Not men, women, boys girls, ladies or gentleman. Now we are all faceless humans behind our masks! It's disturbing!