Things Wanted or Needed

This is a prose poem that has been with me shorter than I would have wished for.

There has come many moments in life where I find myself lacking wisdom of advice, words that simply speak the truth, founded in nothing but the most commonest of sense.

In those times, a brief reflection of this prose always brought about clarity of thought, and I always told myself, should there have been tabs on a list of the pinnacles of human wisdom, this piece should definitely be there.

I was introduced to Desiderata by a friend sometime at the end of 2018, as we talked, among other things, about the fleetingness of life and rawness of human emotion.

Somehow, it seemed strikingly apt during this period of Covid-19, where, surrounded by the turmoil of life and panic that envelops the world, I sit safely within the confines of my home and society, with the luxury to think about 'recalibrating' my life during this period of lull we term as Circuit Breaker, such that when the dust has settled on this pandemic, I return to my ordinary life, a changed and improved version from that of myself before.

But then, was there really a need for that? What is it that I really wanted to 'recalibrate' about my life? What was I doing before, that warranted this sudden need for a changed direction?

There is an English word, desideratum, which is borrowed directly from Latin, where it means "something that is wished for, or considered desirable". Simply put, one can think of it as "things wanted, or needed".

And I realized, that therein lies my answer. The North Star that leads my way has not once changed, but once again what it is, is me returning to it as a constant, and a guiding advice:

Desiderata

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. 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 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 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