Children of the Universe

When I was in my teens my best friend was a boy named Walter.  I was blessed to have had several "best" friends over my teen years but Walter was always the closest of them.  He was absolutely the best thing in my life at that time. He was outrageous, quirky, and fun. Walter has been know to wear a dress for sheer shock value. He was also sometimes contemplative, quiet, and deep. He could be as playful and joyful as a child or as spiritual and wise as the oldest Sage.

Walter and I never dated, it was purely platonic. Sometimes we held hands, and if we shared a kiss it was always brotherly / sisterly in nature. Our connection was deep and rare. Looking back I'm sure this was not our first lifetime shared. I have been beautifully haunted by memories of Walter all day.

As most teen girls at that time I babysat for extra spending money. It didn't matter if either he or I were dating someone, babysitting night was never without Walter. It was "our time."  Once the children were asleep we would talk or play games or snuggle on the sofa and watch movies for hours.

If I was grounded Walter was ever faithful to call me in the evenings and keep me company. It was on such an evening that Walter introduced me to Desiderata. He read it to me over the phone and we philosophized over it in all directions, probing together at the secrets of our place in this universe. He gave me a poster of it at school the next day. (I wish I had that poster still.)

Walter gave me many wonderful gifts over those years. He shared with me his playfulness, his dreams, his ideas, but the best gifts that he gave me were his acceptance and his love. Walter was my rock. I will love him always. Sadly he succumbed to cancer about 2 years ago.

To this day Desiderata remains one of my all time favorite writings. I like to read it now and then and ponder the depth of it's simplicity and the beauty of its wisdom. Having read it just this morning is probably why I've been thinking of my beautiful friend today.

I'm sure most everyone is familiar with Desiderata but one can never read it too often, so I'm posting it here as a sort of tribute to my departed friend. I love you Walter... I'm so thankful that we were "children of the universe" together.

 

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or 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 in your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


 © Rapture's Corner