In Pursuit of Poetry

March 7 - Max Ehrmann - Desiderata

March 7, 2018
This is a poem I heard Morgan Freeman read on a Master Class show of him on Oprah.com. I had also seen this poem as a poster at one of the schools I supplied at - Elizabeth Ziegler Public School - tucked away in a bathroom, how sad is that... but it makes for good reading - as long as it is. Maybe standing in that bathroom, you needed to take a moment and remember before going back out to your class. Some days you need a reminder.

The poem was written in 1952 by Max Ehrmann and it is as vital today as it was then. They are words to live by...

https://allpoetry.com/Desiderata---Words-for-Life

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.

Desiderata - this link lets you listen to Richard Burton Reading the poem.
http://forums.familyfriendpoems.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=45204

Do I have a favourite line... not really, this is one to savour in its entirety.

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