DESIDERATA

DESIDERATA

Max Ehrmann

First and foremost, I want to be honest that this is a poem that I had a major difficulty in expressing. I have read it out loud quite a few times. I encountered a number of poems and stories made by great minds just like this one, and I am quite proud to say that most of them, I had been able to decipher. Feeling the Author's/Poet's emotion in a story/poem when I read it at a first time had always been my forte. So, I was quite surprised when I had to read this poem for more than five times to express it. Even when I read it out loud, I couldn't quite grasp the tone required for some lines. This is how I want to start my reflection for this poem, 'Desiderata'.

At first, I had no interest in this one. So, I resorted to using only my brains to figure it out. For me, it was like a puzzle. I had to think on where to put the pieces so that I can complete it. But after several failed attempts, I finally caved into exhaustion. My mind was tired. Well, sure, it is easy to explain. All I had to do was search for the meaning of the "deep" words in the poem. But that is explaining it as if, it's so simple. I might be very hard to understand right now, but how does it feel to explain it and at the same time, understand it fully. Why would the poet write it? To clear some confusion? To inform? Or just for his own amusement, and maybe a few's too. We wouldn't know.

But still. I am proud to present, my understanding of 'Desiderata'.

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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, 
and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

It, in my opinion, must have meant that in all the noise(literally) and the hurry, you should be calm and composed. It wouldn't do if you were as noisy and/or as panicked as them. You should be calm to have a clear mind, and if you have a clear mind, you can express yourself without fail. Silence is a very hard thing to come by these days. People are now afraid of it. But here, it states that silence is peace. It is what we don't have now isn't it? Peace. Peace is granted to those who knows silence. Now that's from me.

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. 

Having a lot of people who hates you is a really really bad thing. You only have so short of a life. It wouldn't do if you waste it in basking in useless emotions such as hate from others. Your opinions should be well-thought, and so, you can say them without fail. But it should be understandable for others too. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions so you should not turn them down, at least listen to it, because each of us have a place where we came from, no two persons are the same in this world, so different opinions should be expected.

For the two last part of this stanza though, I think I may oppose it. I myself can be quite loud and aggressive. Few may find me annoying but more don't think so. Why should you avoid a person with such personality if maybe, they will not give you an annoying feeling. People confide their feelings to me and I can give them a very useful advice about things. People like me shouldn't be (always) avoided at all because, we too, have our own stories to tell.

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.

You are yourself. Everyone is their own person. Others may have the characteristic that you so desperately want but it also applies for them. No one is perfect. This has always been a problem for everyone. Insecurity roots from this. Enjoying your achievements should be a must. If they are honorable, how small or big, you did it. You shouldn't brag(at least not so much).

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. 

You should be a cautious person for the world is not that safe anymore. People will do what they can to live. This world is a world for survival. But still, you should learn how to trust too. For if you lose it, you lose everything. You shouldn't fake things, especially love, fondness. Affections. Love is always everywhere. Whatever you do. Wherever you go.

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. 

In this era we live in, the internet is the source of almost every information available, if not, all. Books are still used, but for example, a teacher has given you an assignment, instead of searching through the book, you will give in to your laziness and concede to scrolling through different pages available. It is a great invention. Oh yes, the internet is truly great. But isn’t it better if the words are spoken by a true person? One who has a real experience with the subject. And I am talking about real life advice here. Intelligence is different from wisdom, because wisdom comes from learning through time, not through books. Experience is the best teacher of all. For me, an elder’s advice is a good advice, for this advice comes from experience. You should be strong, not only in mind and body, but also in spirit. It simply wouldn't do if a simple challenge such as fear can weaken your resolve. But sometimes, it is also not good not to fear because we are simple people and we are not complete without one.

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.

You shouldn't push yourself too much. It’s not bad to set some few rules, but don’t overdo it because you might not be able to take it. It is plainly stated there, “you have a right to be here”. It is correct; you do have the right to be here. No one should tell you otherwise. We cannot figure out the reason for our existence yet. But why worry? There’s plenty of time to do that, for now, we should enjoy life and take the challenges as they come. Because the universe really is unfolding as it should and in the end, it will be you to solve everything that comes your way just like others. Everyone has their own right. And it just so happens that everyone stood a common ground in where we all exist.

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. 

I believe that God lives within me; no, I am not saying that I am God, but rather, he’s always with me. I am not him and he is not me, but I still think that he resides where my soul is. I should be at peace with my soul. If I cannot find peace I cannot even comprehend what might happen to me. Losing it is when I lose my faith in Him. So, I believe that as long as I have faith in Him, I am at peace.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

You should not see only the bad in this world. Yes, life is full of trickery, mischief, bad deeds and so on. But if you think on a brighter side, you’ll see it. This world has been tainted with red. But if you erase those, you’ll find it fascinating. Magnificent. And that is the world that you should see. Because whatever we do, we cannot change this world. Many has failed in this world, but more succeeded. So, if they can, why can’t you?