Funeral Poem – Desiderata – by Max Ehrmann

Read by Marc Lemezma Funeral Celebrant

 

Funeral Poem – Desiderata – by Max Ehrmann

This is a wonderful poem, it has much to teach us about life. Although it was not specifically written for funerals, it is often read on such occasions as it is meaningful and sobering.

Today I had the privilege to read it at the funeral for the father of a friend – so this is dedicated to Mike.

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

If you have a poem you’d like to hear me read, get in touch and I will do my best to help.

Can I share or use this poetry?

 

Many of these poems are original to me; please feel free to share those or use them if they seem right for your service. All I ask is that you give credit to the author.

If you have a poem you’d like to hear me read, get in touch and I will do my best to help. 
The poems I share on my website or social media are original or are regularly used at funerals and are presented to aid those researching poetry for use at their loved one's funeral service.. Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author. If you know the author of any I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page.
 
If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit.
 

 

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See the list of other Poems for Funerals