Go Placidly Amid The Noise And Haste

In the 7th grade, I was primarily responsible for getting myself up, ready and off to school. Most mornings I would not see any of my family. One morning while I was waiting till time to leave for the bus, I read a poem my mom had hung on a support post next to the wood stove.  As I recall, outside temperature was around 15 deg F, so I was not about to leave early. We didn't have power service due to our remote location, so no T.V.

I stood there reading. The absolute silence of a still,  cold winter morning broken only by quiet hisses and pops from wood burning. Something about this poem caught me. Exactly what I mean by that, I don't even know.

I didn't consciously think about the poem. I think my subconscious pondered it. 

Over the next few weeks, I found myself drawn to reading this poem before leaving in the morning. Parts of it had only shadow meaning to my inexperienced young mind, parts of it I could fully relate to. Eventually I knew the whole of it by heart. I can no longer recite the entirety from memory, but the first stanza along with other pieces became burned onto my consciousness. 

If you choose to continue and read the poem, I ask one thing. Take your time. It wont take long, just a few moments, but you never know....

It might catch you as it did me.

 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.