A bit of creative writing by Ralph Holyoke

In his email Ralph says, "Original down below; slightly Altered version on top Insired by Phil and a wicked snow storm down here.


Desperata

Go placidly amid the noise and the traffic,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Unless the silence is because your broken down on the side of the freeway.

As far as possible, without a crash,
be on very good terms with your mechanic.
Speak your engine troubles quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the stupid and the ill-informed they too have their secret fixes.
Avoid loud and aggressive mufflers they are vexatious to the spirit,
unless that muffler is hooked to your right foot and your motor is running silky smooth.
If you compare your car with others,  you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser motors than yours.
Enjoy your achievements, for the tune-up will not last forever.
Keep interested in your own car, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time and the only one you have.
Exercise caution in the passing lane,
for the world is full of bozos that text and drive.
But let this not blind you in the headlights of oncoming traffic;
Many persons strive for high gloss clear coat,
but  everywhere life is full of rust , mud and bug splats.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign fondness of others autos when you really think they have a pile of crap.
Neither be cynical about newer models, for in the face of torrential rain and snow,
Those are the ones that get to the grocery store.

Take kindly the savings of your years of hard work, gracefully blowing it on the toys of youth.
Like the Morgan you owned 30 years past.
Nurture strength in Lucas, Stromberg and SU to shield you from sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.  Many fears are born at the side of the road of fatigue and loneliness. But many more where born of the B.M.C. plants in the 60’s & 70’s
Beyond a wholesome tinkerer,
be gentle with your wrench and kind with your wallet. 
You are a car owner of the universe
no less than the hills and the twisty roads;
you have a right to drive.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the restoration is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with the Prince of Darkness,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy traffic jam of life,
Keep peace in your soul and gas in your tank

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken down dreams,
there is still a beautiful mountain pass somewhere to challenge.
Be cheerful. Strive to stay on the road.

Life is too short to drive a boring car.

Stolen with ample liberties by W.Ralph Holyoke


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.



Max Ehrmann, Desiderata