Did you ever sit down and talk with men <br />In a serious sort of a way, <br />On their views of life and ponder then <br />On all that they have to say? <br />If not, you should in some quiet hour; <br />It's a glorious thing to do: <br />For you'll find that back of the pomp and power <br />Most men have a goal in view. <br /> <br />They'll tell you then that their aim is not <br />The clink of the yellow gold; <br />That not in the worldly things they've got <br />Would they have their stories told. <br />They'll say the joys that they treasure most <br />Are their good friends, tried and true, <br />And an honest name for their own to boast <br />And peace when the day is through. <br /> <br />I've talked with men and I think I know <br />What's under the toughened skin. <br />I've seen their eyes grow bright and glow <br />With the fire that burns within. <br />And back of the gold and back of the fame <br />And back of the selfish strife, <br />In most men's breasts you'll find the flame <br />Of the nobler things of life.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/under-the-skin-of-men/
