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 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.

A very powerful, enlightening poem. Speaks so much of a lot of values and virtues in life that are really important. If we reflect on this poem, we can discern it's profound meaning and apply it to our way of life. It gives us a refreshing perspective on life.... on the more positive way to look at it. That's why a lot of people really like this poem, myself included, because it reminds us to love ourselves more, to just be ourselves, to be optimistic but not idealistic. It's just the way we look at the world inspite of the harsh realities, the ugly truth in life.... there is still good in life.... in the world.... and that is what we should focus on. What's also striking about the poem is that it ignites hope, faith and a joyful attitude. I think if we just religiously instill the meaning of this poem, the world would be a happier place.

                                                                               1919, Mother Thunder

                                                                                                   Milky Way Galaxy 

                                                                                                   September 19, 1996

Dear Mother Earth,

                       Please do not go!! We will save you mother! We will be responsible hereafter! We will give you medication!!!You provided us everything we require to live. When we were thirsty, you gave us water, and when we were hungry, you gave us food .Thank you for allowing us the freedom to build our house on you. Thank you for the fruits, all the kinds of nutritious vegetables and fruits. Thank you for the variety of plants, trees and animals that is helpful in our everyday life. You nurtures our life freely and lovingly, and not just our life, but also many varieties of life. Thank you for not judging us on every time we take an advantage on you. But we were not happy and contented, we were greedy and wanted more and more comfort. I admit that sometimes, we don't appreciate you and we don't care. We are very very very sorry for all the bad things that we've done. Sorry for taking advantage on you. Sorry because we made you to suffocate by our industrial gases and made your skin burn with our highly poisonous chemical wastes, but still, you cleansed the air, allowing no poisonous gas for us to breath. You blessed us with picturesque sceneries, those jungles and forests, but then, we keep on destroying these picturesque sceneries for the sake of our own happiness. And now, I know that you are crying in pain because of us. We tend to destroy you. I know that you are now flooded with trashes that are harmful to the living creature. Sorry because you are now scarred, bruised and polluted. We are selfish beyond beliefs, but still, you continue to show us unconditional love and forgiveness. And now, we are scared, frightened, and tormented by a story of the past, of guilt, of shame, of many things. We, now, your children, whether we know it or not, need you now more than ever. I know that it's tiring because you are our mother. You have loved us, nurtured but then we don't care. Its either we will learn or we will lose you. We are now thankful and feel sorry because of our mistakes. Right now and tomorrow and for every day, we promise that we will take care of you and we will love you. On your grass, I feel safe, cared and loved. Keep on being amazing mother, because from now on, we will take care of you!

                           

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                          Sincerely yours,

                                                                                                          Claudette :)