This poem was read on a tombstone yesterday on a beautiful spring day trip to an amazing cemetery with a new friend. Some of you may know it, I found it moving and want to share.

Desiderata

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 vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to 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 not this 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 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Unknown. Found in old Saint Pauls Church, Baltimore 1692



Although the tombstone we read this on carried the end enscription, I have since found out otherwise. The true author of the poem is Max Ehrmann, who wrote this in 1927. Copies of a mimeographed sheet containing the poem listed that at the bottom that note, but it was referring to the church, not the author. And the authors name somehow was lost for many years. The latin meaning of the title is "things to be desired".

Well, anyone who was around in the 70's remembers the pop song.. ..I thought it was supposed to be written by monks or something. Good advice, no matter who wrote it.

Gosh, I listened to Dr. Demento so much, all I can remember is the parody song, "Deteriorata" - " you are a fluke of the universe...."

I was around in the '70s and remember it as a poster, but can hardly believe someone carved all that on a tombstone!

every word, swear.

I remember both. I prefer the National Lampoon version, though.
"Mister Spock's Music From Outer Space" includes "Spock Thoughts", Leonard Nimoy's tribute to "Desiderata" and is now available on CD! He's nearly as talented a singer as William Shatner!

(*groan!*)

Pleeease. Just stick to Leonard Nimoy's readings of Ray Bradbury stories and leave the singing to someone who knows how!