I hear raised voices and move toward the sounds. I see a gathering of the most wonderful people on the plant – they are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow – but each is perfect.
I step into the room, and voices become hushed whispers. The air is electric and the faces are anxious and anticipatory. They look toward me for resolution, but I have nothing to offer; I respect their right to agree to disagree.
An inspirational and life-changing poem that I loved in my childhood comes to mind, and I begin to write the words I mostly know by heart. At this moment, this poem seems to be the perfect gift to share with these wonderful people.
Then I remember the clouds of controversy, hurt, and anger that have been trying to silence the voice of this particular author’s gift. Can anything pure and good exist without challenges? Of course not! It is only within the resolution process that true harmony, peace, and respect can ultimately triumph.
Hence, I shall share the poem with each of my dear friends…
Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
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, 1927
I believe Max Ehrmann to be a great man, who wanted to share his gifts. Before he died, he wrote: "I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift -- a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.”.
Yet, his poem has divided families, turned people from one another, and caused the poor to become poorer and the rich to become richer. To read about how something beautiful and divine became tainted by differences of opinions and disharmony go to:
http://www.fleurdelis.com/desidera.htm
Brenda