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[shandy2]

This is such a lovely poem. Very good counsel to live by don't you think?



=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, they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive person, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become bitter or vain
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 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; You! Have a right to be here
And weather 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 it’s sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world,
Be cheerful and strive to be happy.

[Graham1]

Yes its a great philosophy. Ive heard it many years ago but It's nice to be reminded! Thank you

[Graham1]

My favourite poem was written about 1600 by John Donne. Its about the importance of every person:-

No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

[HawkeyeBill]

Hi ya 'Bluenoser',Shandy this is nowhere near the poetic quality as the posted poetry above.I have not written poetry since high school,save for on incidence,until this past April so I am but a 'baby'poet.It is the sentiment that I think you may appreciate.
         We Are Blessed 

 When you wake up in the morning
 When a glorious new day's dawning
 Stop and look around you
At the riches that surround you.
And think of all the children
 Who have no bed to sleep in
 And search the chambers of your heart
 That's where you have to start.
 And though you know it isn't funny
 To see those who have no money
 Do you drop a coin in their cup
 For them to have some food to sup
 Or do you just walk on by
 And let that ol' man die
 You can choose to close your eyes
 And not listen to their cries,
 Or you could do what Christ asks
 And turn to face the task
 As many hearts as you can reach,
 Should be your goal to teach,
 As many a younger mind
 That your search should find
 And heal as many souls
 As it takes to make you whole.

[HawkeyeBill]

I believe DESIDERATA was found in an old Spanish church,authour unknown (My guess,a priest)

[anneelee]

i love this poem, it sums up Ireland, church, history, love, changing times, literature.....

Penal Laws

Burn Ovid with the rest.
Lovers will find
A hedge school for themselves
and learn by heart
All that the clergy banish from the mind,
When hands are joined
and head bows in the dark.

by Austen Clarke