In 1969 Doug Courtney and I were renting an apartment in St. Pete, Florida. Our neighbors renting another apartment downstairs were two “hippie chicks” which was Doug’s description of them. They invited us down one evening for a cookout and let’s just say that for a couple of country boys, it was quite a mind expanding experience. I recall ending up on a bean bag in a corner of the living room and spending an extended period of time staring at a poster containing the Desiderata poem illuminated by a black light. While I thought it to be time well spent, Doug’s take was a little different, “We got two hippie chicks high as a kite and wanting to party and you’re sitting there like a frog watching a fly reading some stupid in-a-gadda-da-vida bullshit.”
If you are not familiar with Desiderata, here is some info about its origins along with a link to its full text click here.
But what I really wanted to pass along is this “alternate” take on Desiderata found in Modern Drunkard Magazine . I think that even Doug would have approved of this version.
and remember what joy there may be in inebriation.
As far as possible, without pause, be on good terms with the bartender.
Slur your truth hastily and vehemently; and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant; they too may buy a round.
If you compare yourself with others, you may lose your buzz.
Even though there will always be drunker persons than yourself,
enjoy your beverages as well as your efforts to catch up to them.
cheap gin, good scotch, bourbon, or beer.
In the noisy din of the pub, keep pace with your mates.
With all its odors, aesthetic monstrosities, and broken urinals,
it is still a beautiful bar.
Be drunk. Strive to be obliterated.