[Camino Poem No. 23] Desiderata

This is the 23rd of 42 posts about the poems that carried me along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Aug-Sep 2016. On this (the 23rd) day, I walked 18km from Mansilla to Leon. 

A cold day. Much of the walking was alongside busy roads as we approached the city of Leon. 

Resting in the hostel, hot tears. On my previous camino, I was greeted here by a group of dear friends. This time, I recognized no-one in the cavernous dorm rooms. I had been choosing solitude and had barely had a conversation in the past week.

I visited the cathedral. Sat there for a long time. Stained glass windows humming love and welcome, like divine kaleidoscopes. I figured it might be time to open myself more to social interaction.

Before dinner I found someone to pick the daily poem. She - a retired Australian woman (walking with her sister) - said that she knew it. Apparently it did the rounds in the 70s, and it was common for people to have a framed copy up on the wall. My favorite part: 'Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.'

After vespers with the local nuns, I returned to the dorm to find a pilgrim causing a stir. He had been walking from Rome, but had run out of time. He was drunk, and, I guess, deeply disappointed. Before his outbursts got him kicked out of of the hostel, he asked me to walk to Santiago 'for him'. I agreed.


(23) 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 to the dull and 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.