“it is still a beautiful world.”
My Grandfather
Last week, I saw a headline for an article, "This Is Quite Possibly The Most Beautiful Poem Ever Written." If it didn’t come across in the original version of Paperdolls, I love poetry and lyrics and the artful expression of words. For a brash headline to claim that there is one poem that is the most beautiful ever, I had to read more (I’m sure that was the point, it was online).
I smiled when I saw the poem. My grandfather had it framed in our entry way. I still have it. I can’t support the claim that it’s the most beautiful ever, but I was still delighted to see it. It’s a work from 1927 called Desiderata.
If you've read Paperdolls, you know that I lived in the upstairs apartment of this fabulous old Victorian house. My grandfather lived on the main floor. I wrote about him a great deal in the original Paperdolls, and more in the upcoming release of Paperdolls & Cowboy Boots. Unfortunately this story didn’t make the cut for the re-release. At least, I don’t need to issue any spoiler alerts. I simply hope you enjoy it.
Norway Photo by Stein Egil Liland
Picture my grandfather with his young family getting out of Norway shortly before the Nazi’s invaded and took over his home country. After the war, picture him learning of the atrocities committed. Picture him grieving. Then, picture him finding his favorite mantra. Framing it and placing it in the entry way of his home—because “it is still a beautiful world.”
Desiderata
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.
--Max Ehrmann