A Few Tweaks To A Classic
A Geezer’s Notebook, By Jim Foster
Now this will date you. Do you remember way back in the 70s when Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata was resurrected? Max wrote it in 1927 before almost all of us were born.
For reasons that have escaped me I decided that what he wrote was quite appropriate for the world way back then but it needed to be updated just a tad. Hence:
Desiderata (Revisited)
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
In other words, shut up and don’t be running around like a lunatic. But if you really must at least be quiet about it,
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Well maybe not the guy down the street who starts his lawn mower at 6:00 o’clock in the morning especially if you closed two bars the night before and were tossed out of a third one.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; They too have their story.
Not necessarily a good story, but if it is kinky with real names and photographs, it might be worth a listen
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
Politicians only come around every four years. You can always put your fingers in your ears or turn off your hearing aid
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
That applies to you of course; in my case I’ll go along with the lesser persons, but greater? Not too damned likely
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.
Even being a pimp can be a source of pride and from what I understand, the money’s good
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
So true, be careful. By the way I just happen to know where there is a bridge for sale.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Jump in the frigid waters to save someone if you want to get your name in the papers. I’ll hold your coat and wallet
Be yourself.
Well, maybe not you. Most people are so much better
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.
Feigning affection won’t help a loser like you; try offering her a hundred bucks. Now that I’ve had a good look at you, make it five hundred and be prepared to go up.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
That’s good advice, so throw out the 1960s leisure suit, the Fu Manchu moustache and the boogie haircut.
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.
On the other hand, be careful. I think someone may be following you
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
Be gentle with yourself to be sure, but remember too much gentling and you will go blind
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
I suppose you do have a right to be here, well not exactly here, possible across the road. Better yet, how about New Westminster, BC
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
If it is unfolding like my Ontario road map, we are doomed. I can’t even get the damned thing back in the glove box. I finally threw it out the flipping window and bought a GPS.
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.
Yes, be at peace with yourself and whatever you two are doing in the bedroom keep the noise down
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
(Photo by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia)
