Merry HanuKwanzaaMas
Go placidly past the box stores and their ilkand remember there is peace in owning less.Be on good terms with all persons,Even those who send you holiday cards with no noteOr worse yet, a 12-page family newsletter.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons by notWatching commercial TV.If you compare yourself to those on screenYou will become depressed and dismayedfor you will always feel either guilt, lustor impoverished when assaulted by advertising.
Don’t confuse your career with your life,no matter how many titles you have.Exercise caution with all e-mail attachmentsFor the Internet is a web of deceit.But let this not blind you to the small,good things around you.Fox News misses most of this.Be yourself, but not in bedbecause that’s just too freaky.Especially do not feign admirationfor your boss.For what are you if you lose your soulonly to gain a two-percent merit raise.
Listen to othersbut not on the cell phone while you are driving.Surrender your inner novel and set your sightson a couple really searing letters to the editor.Do not worry that somewhere, someplacesomeone is having more fun than you;these fears lead to Internet shopping.
You are a speck in the universeJust like the trees and the stars.You have a right to be here,But, seriously, get over yourself.With one trifling exception,the universe is composed of others.
Therefore be at peace with others’ gods,Whatever they conceive them to be.Look closely in a mirror each daybut not in fluorescent light.With all its war, oil shortages and Spam,The world is still better than the alternative.Be cheerful, be carefulStrive not to strive.
This poem was adapted by Dennis Hinkamp with apologies to Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, copyright 1952. This would sound funnier if you imagined William Shatner reading it. Dennis Hinkamp works for USU Extension Communications. Comments and questions can be sent to him at dennish@ext.usu.edu.