Friday, November 19, 2010

Desiderata

I first became aware of this poem in 1995 because of it's inclusion on the sleeve notes for the album "Mind Fruit" by Opus III (which was released in 1992 - it took me 3 years to get around to buying the album), and it has really stuck with me over the years - a lot more than I had consciously realised until I was recently reaquanted with it in a different medium.

It is featured as a spoken word track on the album "Revelations" by Beyond...& Back, which I got a few weeks ago. Hearing it's words spoken out loud reminded of how much the sentiment of this poem resonated and also influenced me in terms of my own view of life, and how I have been unwittingly carrying portions of this poem's message with me for the past 15 years.

Upon investigation it appears it was written in 1927 by someone called Max Ehrmann - but interestingly, for many years it was commonly misattributed to being from the 17th century, a misconception that was perpetuated by both the Opus III sleeve notes and the credits on "Revelations".

I could go into much more detail about the particular lines that have been bouncing around just at the forefront of my mind all this time - but I'll leave you to take what you want from it's content. . .



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 vexatious 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.

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