LITERATURE

Desiderata Written by Max Erhmann Voiced by Ms. Presh 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.

Dust of Snow by Robert Frost voiced by Ms. Presh The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued.

Lucy Gray by William Wordsworth Voiced by: Ms. Presh Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray, And when I cross’d the Wild, I chanc’d to see at break of day The solitary Child. No Mate, no comrade Lucy knew; She dwelt on a wild Moor, The sweetest Thing that ever grew Beside a human door! You yet may spy the Fawn at play, The Hare upon the Green; But the sweet face of Lucy Gray Will never more be seen. “To-night will be a stormy night, You to the Town must go, And take a lantern, Child, to light Your Mother thro’ the snow.” “That, Father! will I gladly do; ’Tis scarcely afternoon — The Minster-clock has just struck two, And yonder is the Moon.” At this the Father rais’d his hook And snapp’d a faggot-band; He plied his work, and Lucy took The lantern in her hand. Not blither is the mountain roe, With many a wanton stroke Her feet disperse the powd’rysnow That rises up like smoke. The storm came on before its time, She wander’d up and down, And many a hill did Lucy climb But never reach’d the Town. The wretched Parents all that night Went shouting far and wide; But there was neither sound nor sight To serve them for a guide. At day-break on a hill they stood That overlook’d the Moor; And thence they saw the Bridge of Wood A furlong from their door. And now they homeward turn’d, and cry’d “In Heaven we all shall meet!” When in the snow the Mother spied The print of Lucy’s feet. Then downward from the steep hill’s edge They track’d the footmarks small; And through the broken hawthorn-hedge, And by the long stone-wall; And then an open field they cross’d, The marks were still the same; They track’d them on, nor ever lost,Yet some maintain that to this day She is a living Child, That you may see sweet Lucy Gray Upon the lonesome Wild. O’er rough and smooth she trips along, And never looks behind; And sings a solitary song That whistles in the wind. And to the Bridge they came. They follow’d from the snowy bank The footmarks, one by one, Into the middle of the plank, And further there were none.