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Desiderada (a poem)

Old 10-24-2008, 09:56 AM
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Desiderada (a poem)

Desiderada



"Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 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 or 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 council 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 healthy 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy."

Author Unknown although some maintain that this piece was written by Max Erhmann
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Old 10-24-2008, 10:02 AM
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Amen! I think I will print this out, memorize it and sit in a yoga position and say it everyday!
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Old 10-24-2008, 10:09 AM
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When i was a kid i had this on a Lenord Nemoy album

dont know how much i can surrender gracefully the things of youth

seriously..it is a good poem to contemplate and live by
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Old 10-24-2008, 11:10 AM
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I have this hanging up in my bedroom and my granny used to have it on the back of the toilet door so you could read it while you were sitting on the throne! I should remember to read it more often, because it just sums it all up!
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Old 10-24-2008, 11:21 AM
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It's always been one of favorites.

Several years ago, my daughter gave me a beautiful framed copy of it, and it hangs in my bedroom.
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