Tuesday, June 23, 2009

to think quietly, to act gently...


To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard,
think quietly, talk gently, act frankly;
to listen to the stars and birds,
to babes and sages,
with open heart;
to bear on cheerfully,
do all bravely....

William Ellery Channing (1780-1842)

Photo by Peaches
(detail of a mural by Robert Dafford)

1 comment:

ELK said...

this is an instant favorite of mine ...such a poet...