Desiderata (Powerful Poetry)

"Desiderata" (Latin: "things desired") is a 1927 prose poem by the American writer Max Ehrmann. This poem is somewhat similar to "If" in the way it gives life advice. I find the life advice in this poem to be better than in "IF," and of course, this poem is also generic for anyone, and not just for a “son,” giving it a broader-based audience.

Transcript

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 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 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 in your soul.

With all its sham,

Drudgery and broken dreams,

It is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

Reviews

Love the music, the cadence and the timeless message of peace in the personal choice of being.

The silence contrasted against the voice depth was exactly what I needed. Thank you.

One of my favorite poems read in a beautiful way. Thank you 🙏

Great voice for reciting one of my favorite poems.

I’m always enlightened every time I hear or read these words. Thanks for sharing this message with me again.
I will try to make them a part of my daily life.
Namaste 🙏

Both timely and timeless. Well worth cherishing. Thank you