Page 64 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 54 Late Spring 2025
P. 64
Our Poetic
Desiderata: Original Text
This is the original text from the book where
Desiderata was first published.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and Town
remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good
terms with all persons. Flower Photos Contributed by Angela Mitchell
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen
to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they I Am Infinite
too have their story. I am from the breath of God
I am from the mud of Earth and
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are the depth of salty seas
vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself I am from the first crawling tetrapod
with others, you may become vain or bitter, for I am from the mountains
always there will be greater and lesser persons I am from scattered star stuff
than yourself. I am from the dawn of DNA
I am from a tangled ball of synapses
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. I am from a billion bonded neurons
Keep interested in your own career, however I am from a million thoughts and mem-
humble; it is a real possession in the changing ories
fortunes of time. When death calls and
I am laid to rest
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the I will return to where I came from.
world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you The breath of God
to what virtue there is; many persons strive for the mud of Earth
high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. the depth of salty seas
intertwined in all that created me.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Nei- I am infinite.
ther be cynical about love; for in the face of all
aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as by John DeDominicis
the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully
surrendering the things of youth. The Sacred Quest
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sud- "I cannot walk an inch without trying to
walk to God." -Anne Sexton
den misfortune. But do not distress yourself with
dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue The quest for divine connection
and loneliness. some on the path with intention.
Others take a different fork in the road
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with only to discover an empty vessel.
yourself. You are a child of the universe no less Still others lose their way, never
than the trees and the stars; you have a right to to see the light in this lifetime.
be here. What star do I fallow?
How many false ends
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt before I find the gold of authenticity?
the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore The stars of money, success, acclaim
be at peace with God, whatever you conceive none of these satisfies
Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspira- the great gullet of the soul.
tions, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in Finally, in the second half of life,
your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken after I've thought deeply enough,
dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. faced challenges enough, I
Strive to be happy. finally understand-discontentment
is a permanent human condition.
by Max Ehrmann ©1927
by Lynne Ford
64 WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - LATE SPRING 2025
