So much percolating….but not ready to write yet….the words of a wise man below:
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
thank you miss fairy! It read just fine…lots of fun…I am curious to hear the song.
On a lighter note on kinda the same subject, here are the lyrics to a song that National Lampoon wrote called “Deteriota” which have helped me through some bad times. If you can find a recording of it, it sounds a LOT better than it reads. I know it’s available at Amazon. com. Please let me know if you’d like an MP3 copy of it and I’ll email it to you.
Love… Sky
D E T E R I O T A by National Lampoon
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
Go placidly amid the noise and waste
and remember what comfort there may be
in owning a piece thereof
Avoid quiet and placid persons
unless you are in need of sleep
Rotate your tires
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself
and heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys
Know what to kiss and when
Consider that two wrongs never make a right
but that three DO
Wherever possible put people on hold
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
there is always a big future in computer maintenance
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
Remember the Pueblo
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate
Know yourself; if you need help, call the FBI
Exercise caution in your daily affairs
especially with those persons closest to you
That lemon on your left, for instance
Be assured that a walk through the ocean
of most people’s souls
would scarcely get your feet wet
Fall not in love, therefore, it will stick to your face
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air,
tuna, Taiwan
and let not the sands of time get in your lunch
Hire people with hooks
For a good time, call 606-4311, Ask for Candy
Take heart amid the deepening gloom
that your dog is finally getting enough cheese
And reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot
it could only be worse in Milwaukee
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
Therefore, make peace with your god,
whatever you conceive him to be
Hairy Thunderer or Cosmic Muffin
With all its hopes, dreams, promises and urban renewal,
the world continues to deteriorate
Give up!
You are a fluke of the universe
You have no right to be here
And whether you can hear it or not
The universe is laughing behind your back
Hi,
I hope to hear more from you soon. I’ve had this poem in my jewelry box since high school. It was actually written in 1927.
Joyce
Nice poem, thanks
Great poem and so wise. Thanks for sharing. I needed to hear something like this right now.
Ahhhh. Good one.