Wednesday, October 5, 2011

". . . they too have their story."

An old friend, via Facebook chat, shared this poem with me today. I came across parts of this poem years ago, and had forgotten about it until now. I figured I'd share it with you, lovely reader, for two reasons. First, it's too damn good to keep to myself. Second, one part reminded me of why I like to blog and read the blogs of others: "Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others . . .  they too have their story."

As I discussed in my last post, I've been considering that blogs like mine are somewhat narcissistic. Upon further rumination, I've decided that this isn't too problematic for me. Here's why: blogging is more socially acceptible than talking to myself out loud all the time, and maybe some of my readers will find a little bit of themselves in my stories. Isn't that why we update our statuses on Facebook and follow total strangers on Twitter? It's fun to relate! Especially to strangers! And in the privacy of your home, possibly wearing nothing but tube socks. It's fine, I'm not here to judge.

Enough rambling.  Here's my favorite poem, "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. I've highlighted my fav parts in purple because, after all, this blog is still all about me.



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 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 with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

3 comments:

  1. To Tube Sock Laundry Warrior,

    Nice post, nice poem...
    Thanks for your honest insights...

    White Crow, Black Deer

    ReplyDelete
  2. Annddddddddd........Next blog post time!
    Love you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Michaela,
    I am Dan of the editorial team of JustFiction Publishing, a publishing house specializing in publishing novels, fiction, poetry and short stories of all genres from new, aspiring and experienced authors.
    I liked your post! Desiderata is one of my favourite pieces of writing as well. Would you consider starting a conversation about possibly publishing with us? You could turn your experiences into short stories or poems and create a book! You can reach me at d.(my surname)@(my website minus www).com
    I'd be delighted to tell you more about us :)

    ReplyDelete