I discovered this poem way back in grade school, in grade two to be exact. Nobody introduced me to it but I stumbled upon it through the school-issued student's diary which St. Mary's Academy of Pasay City was doing.
I never really know what part of the poem that attracted me to it, but I guess it was the use of words that did it. The first line I guess did it, Go placidly amidst the nose and haste...
I was an eight-year old hyper-active boy that loved reading, running, playing and wrecking havoc inside the house.
This poem is my comfort read in times of sad times. I never intended it to be so and in fact I do not have a copy of it anywhere in my house or in my notes.
Why do I like reading this in times of sadness and life-changing events?
Let me share it:
"Go placidly amidst the noise and 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 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 labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy"
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