For those of you born…uhh, way later than me you might not have heard of this poem. I first read it probably in the very early 70′s in my Aunt Barb’s room. Aunt Barb was my totally COOL aunt, 10 + years younger than my dad, his “baby sister”. Beautiful, with long brown hair almost to her waist, she was the first hippie I had known. She also had a poster in her room that said “War is not good for children and other living things” on her wall that glowed when the lava light was on. She taught me all the words to “All I need is love” and told me that I couldn’t wear nail polish if I bit my nails. I believed her. To this day I grown my nails out for months, spending way too much time preening with them and then have a really bad day, bite them all off and then punish myself with no nail polish until I have the self discipline to grow them out again.
Never underestimate the power of what you tell a 7 year old girl.
This poem, which I had forgotten about for YEARS recently came back into my life. And I cannot tell you how many times in the last month or so I was reminded of the phrases in this poem. How many times the context just made sense, centered me and made me happy.
So I went and found a photo I took in 2007 in California that I had in my brain, added the poem and this print is a 20×30 print on my wall.
It’s a tiny bit small here, so here is the text:
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.
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