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 labours and aspirations,
In the noisey confusion of life,
Keep peace with your soul.
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;
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 vane and bitter;
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achivements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career,
However humble;
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Be yourself.
Especialy do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
Take kindly the council of the years,
Gracefully serrendering the things of youth.
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.
Beyond a wholesome discipline;
Be gentle with yourself.
With all it's sham,
Drudgery and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
