I’m not a poetry buff, but this 1927 prose by Max Ehrmann (pictured above) has been one of my favorites since college. During freshman year, a friend showed it to me and I immediately related sharing some of the same aspirations and views. I would read it from time to time, always discovering something new. When summertime came, I went home and one of my chores was to clean out my closet. While sorting through everything, I unearthed an old art piece that had lived on the walls of my bedrooms growing up. It had a medieval scroll pasted on a rectangular piece of wood with routed edges - this was perfect Magic the Gathering decor. I laughed while holding it in my hands reminiscing the past. I then read the text for the first time. It was Desiderata. The poem had been there all along. Puzzled, as my parents never mentioned it before, I questioned the origin. My mom told me that it was one of her dad’s wood working projects. For the first time in my life I felt a real connection with a grandfather I never met... the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree! Bert Nunnallee’s Desiderata is now one of my prized possessions. It is a reminder of the past, parallel with inspiration for the present and future.
Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
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.
On a side note, I saw Dave Stanley perform “Part of Something” at a slam poetry show in Dallas last summer. I really enjoyed the content and delivery. Here is an audio recording for your listening pleasure:
CLICK HERE