You are just one long year away from graduation, as we wrap up our study of poetry, I want us to end on a personally reflective moment... let's think a little bit about what we think the essential elements are for leading a good life.
1) View and Discuss - Let's start with an old graduation speech from 1997: Sunscreen.
2) Read and discuss... notice the sililairities... notice how both use sentence variety for effect.
The Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even the dull and 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 people than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it is a real posession 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 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 face of 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 it is clear to you or not,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive of him to be,
and whatever your labours 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 careful. Strive to be happy.
3) Think about what you value. Consider your ideals. Determine what annoys and/or scares you.
Now, write your own Desiderata, Manifesto, Oath, Rant, Speech that evokes your essential values.
Minimum of 20 lines.
Focus on sentence variety and elevating your vocabulary.
