"Desiderata" - Words Worth Remembering

I have a funeral ceremony in Bath next week and the family have chosen the following reading. It has been a while since I've read them so I welcomed the reminder - the words resonated with me, especially in the context of my previous post...

Poem: Desiderata – Max Ehrmann

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 ignorant as 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 career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Lovely Poem (for gardeners!).

When my father died, a good friend and fellow celebrant (hello Sarah!) sent me a lovely book called "All in the end is harvest - An anthology for those who grieve" (*). It is the perfect book to dip in and out of, as happy as it is sad and reflective. This poem stood out for me when I last picked up the book. "Not speaking as much as sharing" is the line that really resonates with you. The poem is wholly inappropriate for the time of year, but I really didn't want to wait six months before sharing it with you!

(*) The book is edited by Agnes Whitaker and well worth having a copy of your book shelf.

Sharing by Brenda Lismer

Autumn was our time of year

Working together in the old walled garden

Not speaking so much as sharing

The silence and September warmth

The gentleness of slow decay

At summer’s passing.

I was the debris man clearing the way

You turned the dark earth with your spade

Slow and steady knowing your pace

Turned tramp in your awful gardening clothes

Which somehow become dear.

I miss your patient figure

As I harvest alone

Miss the shared silence

And the coming together at day’s end.

Today I am mostly thinking about tomorrow's ceremony. A lovely man, who has died aged 37 from cancer. Sometimes life doesn't make much sense...