Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
1872 to 1945
Drag the words to the correct places to complete the poem. To reset the game, click on the "Reset Game" button located below the poem. This will clear all the words you've placed in the blanks, returning them to the word bank and resetting the poem to its original state with empty blanks.
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and ______ what peace there may be in silence. As far ______ 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 ______ their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are ______ to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, ______ may become vain or bitter, for always there will ______ greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements ______ well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the ______ fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, ______ the world is full of trickery. But let this ______ blind you to what virtue there is; many persons ______ for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be ______ about love; for in the face of all aridity ______ disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take ______ the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things ______ youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in ______ misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. ______ fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a ______ discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child ______ the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether ______ not it is clear to you, no doubt the ______ is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace ______ God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever ______ labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, ______ peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery ______ broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.