ella

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've 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 that nobody else will know the kind i don't want to keep on a closet chelf a lot of secrets about myself, and fool myself as i come and go into thinking that nobody else will know the kind of human i really am; i don't want to dress myself up in shame. i want to go out with my head erect, i wnat to deserve all men's respect; but here in this struggle for fame and self, i want to be able to like myself. i dont want to think as i come and go that im bluster and bluff and empty show. i never can hide myself from me, i see what others may never see, i can fool myself -- and so, whatever happens, i want to be self-respecting and conscience free.