I came across this beautiful poem recently, just had to post it here, if only for my own records =)
Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata (Latin for Desired Things)
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.
In my hands I held a moment,
Too beautiful to let go,
Imbuing me in its color,
Fighting time’s flow.
But who can stop the march of time?
Stop in mid-flight a moment sublime?
I opened my palms and it flew,
Fluttered its wings like a butterfly,
And a million colors exploded,
Refulgent sparks of beauty…
A sanguine red here,
An azure blue there,
An austere white,
Mixed in the darkest black.
And then more moments flew in,
One, two, a thousand more,
And there I stood watching, agape,
The dance of moments, the dance of life.
The million colors of this world,
Blending into each other endlessly,
Dancing like children, for no reason,
Laughing, Crying, Loving passionately.
I looked at my small palms and laughed -
Let it all fly, let the moments go free,
Heaven is right in front of you,
Open your palms, and for yourself see.
Inspired by a beautiful October sunset.
