If you would like to submit a poem email me at: Scott@SBurton.com To view other poems , click here

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise & haste & 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 & ignorant; they too have their story.




Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself

with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & 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 & disenchantment it is 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

imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & lonliness. Beyond a wholesome disipline, be

gentle with yourself.




You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & 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 & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with

your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be

careful. Strive to be happy.


FOUND IN OLD SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH, BALTIMORE;
DATED 1692