Desiderata - Max Erhmann

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.

I first heard this poem about 4 years ago as a song by Les Crane (1971) when a friend played it for me. He passed away a couple years later, but I still try to remember this song and the meaning behind the words. Sometimes I forget though. It's just been lately that I've been really  struggling with a couple issues in my word, and for whatever reason, this song popped into my head this morning as I was booting down the road to start my day. Timing I suppose.
Like somebody knocking me upside the head and saying "did you forget?"
Sometimes I do forget. Some of it is ingrained in me, the way I am. Some I do need to remember so that I keep peace in my soul rather than let others get to me.

Midnight - Thank you Cyn

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Bruce Cockburn-Dream Like Mine

Bruce has been singing for quite a number of years. One of his earliest I remember was in the late 70s. His songs make us more aware of the world around us, what is happening to it and in it. Some fav songs of his include "If I Had A Rocket Launcher", "If A Tree Falls In The Forest"(vid includes shots of the Rain Forest and its destruction), and "Lovers In A Dangerous Time" (redone by BNL). I believe this one was done in about 1991 or thereabouts. Still listening to him all these years later. The meanings behind his songs never change or become non-existent.