in high school, Desiderata was a poem of hope, & everybody getting along {this was near the end of the VietNam war} ..................... today, I just have ................... "issues" with the line: You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here in light of the current debate on illegal immigration - if you're here in this country illegally, you most assuredly DO NOT have a 'right' to be 'here' - you have a right to live, you have a right to pursue happiness - but if ya didn't have the integrity and moral clarity to cross our borders legally, then I suggest you go back to wherever "home" is and fix your own country ..............................
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 to 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
2 comments:
OH, Mair, thanks for reminding me what a lovely poem that is.
We're the same age, so I was in H.S. when I heard it,too.
What a nice trip down Memory Lane!
strive to cling to the sentiments expressed therein. Unfortunately, the below version is frequently more realistic - - -
"Deteriorata"
Go placidly amid the noise and waste, remembering what comfort may be found in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your wheels, it is what they are for.
Speak glowingly of others greater than yourself, heed well their advice even though they be turkeys. Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right. However, three do.
Wherever possible put people on hold and leave for the day.
Be comforted that, in the face of all aridity and disillusionment and despite the changing fortunes of time, there will always be a big future in computer maintenance.
Remember the Alamo. Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and mutilate.
Know yourself. If you do not, look in the mirror - that's you.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs, especially with those persons closest to you. That turkey on your left for instance.
Fall not in love, it will stick to your face and smell of tuna.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth, burgers, coffee and obesity.
Hire people with hooks. For a good time, Listen to a US foreign policy speech.
Take heart amid the deepening gloom that at least your cat is being fed well; reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot, at least you don't live in Ohio.
You are a fluke of the universe: you have no right to be here. Whether or not you can hear it, the Universe is laughing behind your back. Therefore make your peace with God, whether you consider him to be clown or President of the disUnited States. With all its hopes, dreams and McDonalds, the world will continue to deteriorate.
-- Attributed to National Lampoon
JPG
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