Published Jul 2, 2009
javawren_23
46 Posts
For all of you who throw your hearts over the fence every day and care for those who need it most......
For all of you who work tirelessly without recognition or reward.......
For all of you who maintain your faith in people, despite what you may encounter.....
And for all of you who make the choice to be compassionate, caring, selfless, and empathetic......
This is for you.....
Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann
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 ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious 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.
:redbeathe
msavlpn
32 Posts
Great Poem.
Overland1, RN
465 Posts
Reminds me of a spoof that was done 37 years ago by the National Lampoon.
Somebody had to say it...
Reminds me of a spoof that was done 37 years ago by the National Lampoon. Somebody had to say it...
Before my time......I'm 26.
wonderbee, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,212 Posts
The year was 1973. This was the opening invocation in our high shool year book and graduation ceremony. I thought it profound then and still find wisdom in it now.
Whispera, MSN, RN
3,458 Posts
Thank you for reminding me of this poem. I've always loved it.
PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN
2,211 Posts
I love this poem. Good find.