It’s a poem written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.  It has cuddled me on and off since my 20’s.  And I wrote about it in these pages in 2019:

“There must have been one too many moves in my nomadic youth, because The Desiderata left me one day.  I don’t even remember missing it.  My walls filled instead with paintings – visual heart-tuggings rather than the majesty of the phrase.  I didn’t think of Max’s masterpiece for decades.”

“But the man has returned.  He smiles at me once more.  And it’s all so gentle.  Not all of the sentences still shimmer, and that’s okay.  The whole has guided me over the years, and I didn’t even know it.  A magical absorption was at work.  And I am the better for the words having roamed around within me for so long.”

***

And now I return to those words.  Age 75 rather than 25.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

I don’t want to be placid.  Sometimes I want to be explosive.  I still revere silence but two people speaking our truths to each other, in deep connection, moves me more.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

I realize that I won’t be close to every person who comes my way … because some want to hang back, in the shadows, far from my soul.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Yes, saying it quietly is fine.  What’s crucial is to say it, without antagonism, without concern that I’ll be rejected for my words.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

Nothing has changed here in fifty years.  Being in the presence of complainers and excluders still is poison.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

No, I disagree.  Your abilities in one area of life may be more than mine, your contribution to life there more encompassing, but we are each expressions of Divinity.

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.

I have fewer plans now.  I feel pulled toward the future, towards the growing goodness of it, but the painting has not yet been created.  And my career as a teacher is in the past, even though I believe my presence in others’ lives often teaches.

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.

I see heroes every day.  They kneel down to help.  They lift us high.  Far sweeter than the ordinary exploits of famous people.

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.

Same.  True love blesses the loved one.  It enfolds.  And it is always available if called upon.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

However … despite the stiffness of the body I choose to continue dancing.  The arms still need to fly up to the sky.

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.

My fears still come but they don’t plunge as deep.  And as Mark Twain said, “I have spent most of my life worrying about things that have never happened.”

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.

Damn it, I do!  This is my home, as it is yours.  We get to put our feet up on the couch and shout from the rooftop.

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.

Unfold away, dear universe. I’m with you on the journey … to God knows where.  There is beauty ahead, a deep contact with other travellers, a magnificent belonging.

***

Some things change, Max, and some don’t