Desiderata: poem of yearning for happiness

One fine Sunday afternoon sometime in 2008, I was then a college student, we held a church community gathering in a chapel in my university. Connected to the chapel was the student building that has a comfort room. While taking the stairs, I saw a big bulletin posted with the poem “Desiderata”. The poet was written as anonymous. The poem was not unfamiliar to me as I once read it when I was in high school. It was also posted on our school press room bulletin board. I was more intrigued when I saw it there. I read it aloud without hurry like during high school. It has then stuck into my heart. Whenever I feel sad, I would remember and repeat reading this poem. It’s a feel-good poem for me.

A day in MOA Seaside
(Desiderata is Latin word which means 'things that are yearned for')

Desiderata, 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 the 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.