A Man's Word

He is known first by what he is called,
What he has done or what he says
Trivial things compared to his name-
It lives on with him, preceding
All which he can only dream to know-
A man is only as good as his name.
He is known first by what he gives 
And what he takes, any wealth he can find
Watched by all to determine his spirit-
Charities may find him or beggars may hide,
But all will look on him and his heart-
A man is only as good as his spirit.
He is known first by what he has done
And the marks which strayed behind
To paint his body in the most dreadful scars-
A warrior to all, fighter for few, and lover of none,
He is of no importance unless he wears his victories- 
A man is only as good as his scars.
He is known first by his record of truth,
All the promises he ever made remembered
And judged to determine his word-
All make mistakes, yet excuses are forbidden
For the man who dares to lie or even forget-
A man is only as good as his word.