Desiderata

Saturday, Mar. 13, 2004 - 10:24 a.m.

Yesterday, Kat popped up in IMs and said "What was that poem from the 70s? I can't think of the title!"

So with no other clue than that, I fielded a guess. And I was right.

Because the two other times I've been asked by people what that poem was from the 70s but they couldn't remember the title, they had been trying to think of this one:

DESIDERATA

Go placidly among the noise & haste, & 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 & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your 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 & disenchantment it is 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 imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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 & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

c 1927 Max Ehrmann, renewed 1954 Bertha K. Ehrmann

Now if you want to have a little fun, go look and see what National Lampoon did to the aforementioned piece.

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It's five days until Cheri arrives. I keep looking around at the things that still need to be done and wondering how it's going to turn out. I think we'll be fine, though.

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Should be a gorgeous day out here; but our allergies are in full bore, so we're going to stay inside with the nice air filter, and our work today is theoretically going to include installation of shelving and fixtures in the bathroom.

I hope all the measurements were correct. :)

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2 of my readers commented on this entry

danielle
That's a beautiful poem. My 8th grade teacher had an unhealthy obsession with it... Good poem though...
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Jamie
Just clicked your banner. :) Adorable! =:) J
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