PoemReforming Oneself
Author / PoetMax Ehrmann

It has been raining again. I have been indoors, meditating on the shortcomings of life.
I wish there were more kindly persons in the world. Our competitive life develops selfishness and unkindness.
I am determined to do something about it. I cannot hope to convert many persons. To convert one person, I shall do well.
I will begin with the person I know best – myself.
When it rains and one is much indoors one is likely to meditate on the shortcomings of life.
Let me think – how shall I make myself kind, gentle considerate?
I do believe it has stopped raining.
I can go out now. I’ll go and shoot on the archery range.
I’ll not bother to reform myself today. Perhaps tomorrow – if it is raining, and I must stay indoors, and meditate on the shortcomings of life.

Max Ehrmann
Max Ehrmann
26 Sep 1872 - 9 Sep 1945
Region: Central America
Period: Modernist
Movement: Inspirational Literature

more poems by Max Ehrmann

Poem NameTopic
Whatever Else You Do
Wanderers
Desiderata – Words for Life
Dark Days
A PrayerChildhood, Dream, Memori

all poems by Max Ehrmann

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