Strange Coincidence

After writing the post below a couple of days back, today I was randomly reading some poems, and I found not one but two of the similarly themed poems. The second one is a kind of parody of the first one.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull
and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you
compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your
achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your 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 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 with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful
world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

-- Max Ehrmannn

Deteriorata

Go placidly amid the noise and waste, remembering what comfort may be found
in owning a piece thereof. Avoid quiet and passive persons unless you are in
need of sleep.

Rotate your wheels, it is what they are for.

Speak glowingly of others greater than yourself, heed well their advice
even though they be turkeys. Know what to kiss, and when.

Consider that two wrongs never make a right. However, three do.

Wherever possible put people on hold and leave for the day. Be comforted
that, in the face of all aridity and disillusionment and despite the
changing fortunes of time, there will always be a big future in computer
maintenance.

Remember the Alamo. Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle and
mutilate. Know yourself. If you do not, look in the mirror - that's you.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs, especially with those persons
closest to you. That turkey on your left for instance.

Fall not in love, it will stick to your face and smell of tuna.

Gracefully surrender the things of youth, burgers, coffee and obesity.

Hire people with hooks.

For a good time, Listen to a US foreign policy speech.

Take heart amid the deepening gloom that at least your cat is being fed
well; reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot, at least you don't
live in Ohio.

You are a fluke of the universe: you have no right to be here. Whether or
not you can hear it, the Universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore make your peace with God, whether you consider him to be clown or
President of the disUnited States.

With all its hopes, dreams and McDonalds, the world will continue to
deteriorate.

-- National Lampoon