Things to be desired

I usually feel a sense of hope and wonder when I leave the restroom at the brewery. Wow, that's a strange line. A gift from my wife, a copy of Max Ehrmann's 1927 poem 'Desiderata' hangs from the wall. Every time I read this wonderful poem, it fills me promise. The poem is a road map offering direction to attain happiness in life. If you're not familiar with it, it begins:

"Go placidly amid 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 vexations to the spirit."

I know they are only words, but the ultimate aim of prose is to move you and perhaps to make you think differently about yourself or others. I admit that I'm not well-read, unless you include brewing texts. But I've never read a poem that speaks so clearly and simply about the qualities that constitute a happy existence. My only complaint with my copy is the last line, 'be careful' , I think it's a typo, it should read 'be cheerful'.

I believe that the poem is now in the public domain, so if you don't have a copy, I urge you to get one. The bathroom seems a good place for it. You can read it each morning and evening and remember where your going and where you've been.

Peace.