My Symphony, by William Ellery Channing

I posted this poem a couple of years ago, but it's one I return to often and I thought I'd post it here again. It seems like life is one long series of forgettings and rememberings, and these words remind me of how I want to be.

Obscurity and a competence

Recently I've been spending a lot of time working... and not much else. It's the season of storing up: buying envelopes and wool roving; scheduling, applying for, and paying for shows that won't happen for months; and spending hundreds of hours making things like Christmas ornaments and multiples of my bestsellers. And it feels great! I know that I need to spend more time with the people I care about, and doing the things that I like to do besides work, but right now it just feels wonderful to get my mind around the upcoming busy season and enjoy the rather fulfilling season of quiet, competent, hard work.

Good words: Symphony, by William Ellery Channing

To live content with small means
To seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion
To be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich
To listen to stars and birds,
babes and sages, with open heart
To study hard, to think quietly,
act frankly, talk gently,
await occasions, hurry never-
in a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common-
this is my symphony.

Good words: Desiderata by 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 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.