DESIDERATA

[Clifford Black]

Learn this poem!!!!!

Max Ehrmann

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.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

[Clifford Black]

Please copy/write this response on a sheet of paper and bring to class.

B.

[Michael Laray Stewart]

This is one of the best poem i've read.  

[Nadine]

In reading this work again I understand why it's more important for me to study a blade of grass then trying to figure out things I am either not ready for or will never be able to "true". As the poem says "for the face of all aridity and dischantment it is as PERENNIAL as the grass"! good stuff

[Nadine]

This is a valuable piece of work, it should be read each day upon rising from rest. I will work on memorizing this affirmation. In doing this I should be able to control my emotions and get to really understand "self". The universe is a glorious "thing" because things unfold when necessary and I have read this at the proper time.

Peace

[Charles Cartwright (Neo)]

I have to Print this out and read each every day twice daily

[Charles Cartwright (Neo)]

Mr. B this was the Greatest Poem I have read to date LOVE it and will memorize

[Clifford Black]

In Class, Show Me and make me happy!!!

B.

[Raven Writes]

My youth and I have memorized For My People. This is our next exercise.

[Clifford Black]

This thread was also a post under the forum/race tab---those who are interested may want to check out that thread before it is erased!!!

[Clifford Black]

Namaska Sistar D,

Now that we have a little more involvement with this post I am going to post Ms. Inez's element chart of this poem and I know that it will help all serious students to gain greater insight.

B