To say we dismiss the ordinary life does not mean we are dissing what is simple and genuine. In fact, one can and must dream, even if one attests to holding on to what is simple and true.

It’s not the state of affluence that we are talking about here but more of one’s perspective and sincerity in life choices and deeds. To proclaim wanting to live a simple life is easy. Words are cheap after all. But it does not mean one may use it as a tool for abusive mendicancy nor as an excuse to rot in complacency. That is the definition of the ordinary life which one must shun.

Given a set of circumstances and obstacles in life, it is our duty to God and our family and of course for our own self-respect to drive ourselves to growth and excellence. The world in all its magnificence, asks that much from us.

Para mas madaling maintindihan… Eto, shnare ko sa FB, share ko din dito.

Sayang naman para makita na rin ng sumilip sa Multiply ko na never ko naman nameet (at hindi marunong mgspell ng u-n-a-d-u-l-t-e-r-a-t-e-d, mind you). Oh well, let’s not be bothered by trifles.

This was one of the declamation piece I did eons ago, back in in high school, for our Advanced Literature class. St. Scho Marikina really has a good English program for its students and I’m always thankful for the good foundation I had coz of the supportive and dedicated teachers in that esteemed institution.

Anyway, I chose to perform this in front of the class then coz I was touched with what Longfellow tried to say. I have always believed in the lessons of Longfellow’s poem and have tried to follow this ever since.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

A PSALM OF LIFE

TELL me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream ! —
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real ! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal ;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way ;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle !
Be a hero in the strife !

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant !
Let the dead Past bury its dead !
Act,— act in the living Present !
Heart within, and God o’erhead !

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate ;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.