The Fourth Annual Brigid in the Blogosphere Poetry Slam

OK, OK, I know I'm a day early if the date shows up....but this pixie is knackered and needs her feather bed. It's been a long day and there's much work that's been done....it's surprising how tiring dumping other peoples crap can be you know! lol. Anyway, the charity shops will benefit. Anyway.... on to the real reason why yet another post.....

A week or so ago I told you about the Poetry slam and a couple of days later about Dave Hindmarsh, I'm over the moon that I've been in touch with him and he's agreed (no actually said he would be honoured) for me to put his poem in my Blog.

I've saved it till now, in celebration of Brigid, Goddess of Inspiration and Poetry, and with grateful thanks to Dave, for agreeing to me posting this.
A beautiful poem by a beautiful, spirit.
I did the poem originally for him as a limited edition of which I hold one copy. Please post you comments and I'll pass them on. With love and Imbolc blessings to you all and to everyone who works with words.

Benevolence

Criticise constructively
Develop well founded opinions
Speak what you think
Contradict, but gently
Violently given advice will vex the spirit
The petals of the soul do close
Retreat in the heavy downpour of the rain
But willingly open and bear all
To the sublime falling dew

© Dave Hindmarsh

And I can't help myself......I just have to post this too.... I find it truly moves me, it should be the way we all run our lives and what we should aspire to. I'm sure it need no introduction, but please take time to look it over and give it some thought.....hmmmmm Namaste xxx

Desiderata

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 to 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 perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to 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 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.

Max Ehrmann c.1920