Desiderata – A Life Changing Poem for Hard Times

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender and be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant,  They to have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive person, they are vexations to their 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 progression 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 the 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 to counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering to things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. Do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with your self. 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.

Newest episode to our Powerful Life Poetry series. We hope this finds you well in these troublesome times.

– Read by Shane Morris Music by Tony Anderson

– Max Ehrmann was an American attorney and poet who often wrote on spiritual themes. During his life, he contributed great thoughts to our literary lexicons, blending the magic of words and wisdom with his worthy observations.

Desiderata, which means “things that are desired,” was written by Max Ehrmann “because it counsels those virtues I felt most in need of.”