Character

You

Edgar Albert Guest

You are the person who has to decide

Whether you’ll do it or toss it aside;

You are the person who makes up your mind

Whether you’ll lead or will linger behind

Whether you’ll try for the goal that is afar

Or just be contented to stay where you are.

What do you wish? To be known as a shirk,

Known as a good man who’s willing to work,

Scorned as a loafer, or praised by your chief

Rich man or poor man or beggar or thief?

Eager or earnest or dull through the day?

Honest or crooked? It’s you who must say!

You must decide in the face of the test

Whether you’ll shirk or give it your best.

Nobody here will compel you to rise;

No one will force you to open your eyes;

No one will answer for you yes or no,

Whether to stay there or whether you go;

Life is a game, but it’s you who must say

Whether as cheat or as sportsman you’ll play.

Fate may betray you, but you settle first

Whether to live to your best or your worst.

So whatever it is you are wanting to be

Remember, to fashion the choice you are free,

Kindly or selfish, or gentle or strong,

Keeping the right way or taking the wrong

Careless of honor or guarding your pride

All of these are questions which you must decide.

Yours the selection, whichever you do;

The thing men call character is all up to you.