You Start Dying Slowly - Pablo Neruda

Whenever I feel in need of some inspiration (or a good kick up the rear!) I frequently turn to this beautiful poem by Pablo Neruda...

You Start Dying Slowly

You start dying slowly
If you do not travel,
If you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly
When you kill your self-esteem;
When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths...
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don't know.

You start dying slowly
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly
If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied with your job, or with your love,
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,
If you do not go after a dream,
If you do not allow yourself,
At least once in your lifetime,
To run away from sensible advice...

Pablo Neruda

More poems by Pablo Neruda here.

Lackan Bog

I’ve finally sorted through the photos I took last month at Lackan Bog. It’s an incredibly beautiful wetland area – formerly a raised bog and nowadays the largest single block of lowland peat remaining in County Down – and also one of Ireland’s most important dragonfly sites. The path runs along a ‘bog rampart’, an old road through the bog which would have provided easy access for cutting the turf. From this raised causeway are wonderful views across the pools and wooded areas of birch and willow.

There are literally thousands of birch trees everywhere you look, so I was in my element! I hope to return again very soon, as it would be an amazing place to photograph throughout the seasons.




Continuing the birch theme, I thought I’d include this photo of a gorgeous birch grove in Tollymore Forest Park - more on Tollymore another time!

(Photos: Pam)

Brighter Skies

After the long, harsh winter we’ve had this year it’s wonderful to be able to spend more time outdoors again, watching the earth awaken and feeling the warmth of the sun increase as the daylight lengthens.

A few days ago we headed down to our local beach at Murlough to catch the late afternoon light. There weren’t many folk around so I did a little scribbling in the sand…

(Photo: Pam)