Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
For the entire Desiderata go to Inspirational Poems page.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should...
In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit. Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as will keep me friendly with myself.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
You are a child of the universe...
I should like, if I could, to leave a humble gift – a bit of chaste prose that had caught up some noble moods.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Let me not follow in the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path...
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
Lift up my eyes from the earth and let me not forget the uses of the stars.
Let me do my work each day, and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times...
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.