Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

~ By Max Ehrmann

Folk-Indie; obsession

In my final year of high-school I have found myself locked up like a hermit stu-dying more than one too many a weekend. Thus, last night's venture, first to 'The Earl of Leincester' for a meal and later a gig was a welcomed break (oh, thank you long-weekend!). No, 'welcomed' definately understates my experience.. 'incredible' will, perhaps, suffice.

The Middle East, a Folk-Indie group (of no less than seven members!) performed for a packed 'Governor Hindmarsh Hotel' last night. Musically they were moving, and sombre, and... wonderful. The talented group used a plethora of instruments to achieve their unique sound, including but definately not limited to [my musical knowledge]: guitar, keyboard, accordian, harmonica, banjo, flute, trumpet, percussion and drums.

I'll admit, when they first appeared on the stage... I thought the motley group may have been roadies or simply stage hands.. and the drummer! I was convinced he was security. Not to forget the (I guess) lead vocalists; a guy in a baseball cap whose head and 'shoulder length hair' lollied side to side like a metronome on steroids, a red-head-hippy-chick and young guy who's face, ever hidden behind a great black lock of black hair, I saw little. Though my favourite was definately the percussion guy, who, with rainstick in hand, 'Jesus-like do' and tribal-like dancing, really set the tone for the night.

Lyrically.. well okay I'll admit I couldn't really understand what was being mumbled, but their harmonies were beautiful. One song in particular appealed to me: 'The Darkest Side' quite literally brought tears to my eyes. Although I could not understand logically what they were singing about, I think maybe something in my subconscious latched on to the theme or story being expressed. The lyrics (which I searched after arriving home ..in the early hours of the morning) resonate with me completely. It was almost like the lyrics were written about mine, and my mother's life. Their debut album I Want That You Are Always Happy will very soon be making an appearance in my Itunes library.

Love. This.