Focus on Books
Desiderata
Prof. Sunanda MAHENDRA
Instead of my usual presentation of introducing a book, I felt that I
have something that deserves our attention. The prose poem written by a
Jewish American poet Max Ehrmann (1872 - 1945) has a multi-dimensional
layer. In the first instance, it is a poem of joy, and resembles some of
the oriental sources of inspiration.
The word ‘desideratum’ stems from Latin meaning, a thing messing, or
a thing that is wanted. This poem is regarded as a fragment from much
longer poem and selected from an unknown source of poems written by
Ehrmann. Born in America, Ehrmann’s parents are descendents from
Germany.
Ehrmann is also known as a dramatist, and teacher of literature. I
thank my friend and well-wisher professor Upali Ranaweera in Australia
for sending this prose poem and according to him this poem is created
long before Walt Whitman wrote his free verse much known for ‘leaves of
grass’.
It is believed that ‘Desiderata’ was meant to rediscover one’s inner
self rather than the mere presentation of a human experience. I leave it
in your hands for you to decide what it means to you.
Go placidly amid the
haste and noise,
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 ignorant;
they, too, have their story
Avoid loved and
progressive 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 on your
own career,
however humble; it is a
real passion 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 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 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 labours 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 careful, strive to be happy.
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