Desiderata

Desiderata is best known as the title of Max Ehrmann's 1927 prose poem, a reflective poem that offers calm advice about how to live with grace, patience, and self-respect. The word itself comes from Latin and means "things desired," which fits the poem's thoughtful, aspirational tone.

In poetry reference, the title usually points to Ehrmann's work rather than the general Latin word.

Example

Walk quietly through the day,
keep your heart steady,
and let kindness be the first thing you offer
to the world and to yourself.

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