The Desiderata

I posted this on our myspace account, which you can check out at www.myspace.com/mulchcrow. I want to post it over here in GreyZelda land, as well, because it spills over into how I like to conduct myself professionally with our actors, friends, and crew. Anyway . . . here it is for your perusal.

(And we're in the second week of rehearsals for Desire Under the Elms. The cast is jumping right in and their instincts are dead on. They're asking great questions, grabbing ahold of the dialect and dialogue, and it's going really well. We're going to possibly plan a field trip to my hometown and surrounding scenery because there are some great photo ops for the show.)

Posted to the myspace blog:

Mike, Missy's man, came to our wine party on Saturday and caught sight of this hanging on our bathroom wall. Why keep something so pretty on your bathroom wall, you ask? Because it's something I like to look at everyday and even multiple times a day. What better place to do that then your bathroom? I can read it while brushing my teeth, brushing my hair, zipping my pants . . . you know the bathroom drill. Anyway . . . the Desiderata became special to him, too, and we had a nice discussion about it.

My mom gave this to me when I graduated from high school . . . or sometime during college. I love it and it gets me through my life quite well. It puts the world into perspective. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even 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 with others,you may become vain and 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 disenchantmentit 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 with your soul.

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

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.