And These Fragments: The Desiderata

“These fragments I have shored against my ruins."

This is a line from T.S. Eliot’s famous poem “The Waste Land.” It is one of my favorite lines from the poem. It has always reminded me of poetry as a whole. Tiny fragments of words we scratch out on paper in defiance of our own mortality. Hoping our words will outlive us. Hoping strangers will read and understand them long after we are gone. 

As you might (but most likely don’t) know, April is National Poetry Month. In honor of this I wanted to take some time to talk about a few of my favorite poems – my favorite fragments. 

This week I have decided to focus on a poem by Max Ehrmann entitled “Desiderata” sometimes also referred to as “The Desiderata of Happiness.” 

(source)

Though some publications break the poem into lines of free verse, The Desiderata was originally an unformatted prose poem. Here it is in the original style: 

“ Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to 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 labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

This poem may not be for everyone. It has an unusual style to be sure and prose poems are often disliked in general. Personally, I love this poem for its calm certainty and its uplifting message. It is optimistic and joyful without being idealistic or naive.  Oddly enough, although the poem is a series of imperative statements, it doesn’t feel didactic or preachy. It is far too quiet and peaceful to be taken that way. It is an offering of wisdom not a command. I also love how wonderfully accessible the poem is. Obviously that is to be expect since it is a prose poem. In fact, that is why it is so important that “The Desiderata” is a prose poem; it is an offering of advice for anyone and everyone. Simple instructions on how to live a better and happier life. It shouldn’t be cryptic or esoteric. The language itself is not overly poetic either. There are beautiful lines and phrases but they never become fanciful or musical. Lines like “Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.” are beautiful for their simplicity and their wisdom. This quiet and direct tone is what makes “The Desiderata” seem so profound, powerful, and true. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed "The Desiderata"; it’s one of my favorites. Check in again next week to read about more “fragments,” more fun, and more fantastic poetry!

Read more of Padraic's work on Floodmark.