DESIDERATA

A few months back, I experienced a slight crisis in my life. I was at the crossroads of my life wherein I wasn't sure if I was heading the right track in all aspects of my life -- career, philosophies, love.

Then one night, while I was driving home, I suddenly was on 'think mode' again. My mind was cluttered with so much thoughts, questions, fears, etc. So instead of going home, I've decided to pass by my friend's bar in Quezon City to have a few drinks and pour out all my thoughts to him (they say alcohol is the best truth serum). While we were talking and drowning ourselves with a pitcher of Zombie, I suddenly noticed a familiar poem by the staircase of his bar.

Desiderata.

I knew I've heard of it before but I couldn't recall. Then all of a sudden, I remembered my junior year in high school. English Literature. We were tasked to memorize a speech and deliver it in front of the class. I didn't choose that particular poem because it didn't look and sound appealing to me at that time. But as I was slowly reading it, every line, every word entered into my bloodstream. The chaos inside my brain disappeared. All of my questions were answered with just one poem.

I now read it every morning when I wake up.

Jimmy Bondoc, thank you for sharing that striking poem to me and to all your guests at Musikero Cafe. It was a great idea for you to have it painted it by the staircase where everyone can read it. You are truly gifted.

I want to share it to those who are also at the crossroads of their lives, hoping that it may be of help. Every word and line is important and worth grasping but I still emphasised on some lines which I thought was very striking. Please take the time to read it. It's worth it.

DESIDERATA

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, Desiderata, Copyright 1952