I went back to camp the other night, to tie a friend's Silver Rag at a Ragger's Ceremony. It was a really nice experience, to see old friends and campers, and talking about the days when I had been a camper and when I had become a staff member.

Raggers is a YMCA program with seven levels of challenges to make one's self better and to strengthen their relationship with God. It takes no less than 10 years to complete them. I'm currently on the fourth (Gold Rag) and the friend who's Rag I tied last night is the second level. I don't know if I'll ever go beyond my Gold Rag. The truth is, I'm not sure if I'm as dedicated as I used to be.

When I went to last night's ceremonies (I also attended a Brown Rag ceremony), it was a real eye-opener for me. One thing that really got to me was when one of the counselors read a poem that I haven't heard in years. I remembered the first time that I had heard it, and the impact it had on my 15 year old self. The poem is called The Man in the Glass, and it was written by Dale Wimbrow. Hearing that poem made me realize exactly what I have - and more importantly, haven't - been doing with my life. It may very well have been the swift kick in the ass that I've been needing to get my life back on track.

Anyways, without further ado, I'll provide the poem here for your viewing pleasure:

The Man In The Glass

by Dale Wimbrow, 1895-1954

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 man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum,
And call you 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.

He's the fellow to please - never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man 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 man in the glass.