To Our Readers
TWO WEEKS ago, A.A. "Bud" Smyser's family and friends gathered to reflect on his remarkable life. A wise man’s favorite
verse has the power to
untangle our livesSmyser, the Star-Bulletin's contributing editor, died on March 19. He was a deeply moral man, although not a religious one.
Bud's son, Avery Smyser, recalled that on holidays, his father liked to read the poem "Desiderata" aloud to the whole family. Written in 1927 by poet Max Ehrmann, the piece is inspirational, reassuring and timeless. In fact, it reverberates with the aloha spirit that was central to Bud's life.
Avery recited it to the group. "Go placidly amid the noise and haste," he read, "and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons."
The next passage might be aimed at today's public education contract negotiators: "Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit."
Other lines might have been written to counsel investors riding the last weeks' Wall Street roller coaster: "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.
"Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings."
Unfortunately, what's happened to the value of my 401(k) retirement plan is a reality, not an imagining.
We should all heed the encouraging conclusion: "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. ...With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
"Be cheerful.
"Strive to be happy."
Thanks, Bud.
John Flanagan is editor and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.
To reach him call 529-4748, fax to 529-4750, send
e-mail to publisher@starbulletin.com or write to
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.