.JPG)
2013 has brought some changes to my life. Change can be good if seen from a different perspective. That’s why I’ve decided that if I cannot change the cards that I’m dealt, then I should at least change my attitude. Only I have the power to do so.
Last night I was talking about life, death, and changes with a dear friend of mine. I pondered over his words and this is why I chose this Neruda poem. Our conversation is beautifully explained in this poem.
You start dying slowly By Pablo Neruda
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…
Have you gone through some changes lately? Do you identify with Neruda's words?
Lovely post Claudia! It so resonate with me and where I am at in many aspects of my life, including my writing. Writing is an art that expresses the form of our emotions, and this poem touches that space where writing and feeling meet. Thank you for sharing these heartfelt words along with your own thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly,
DeleteGlad you liked it. :)
I think this poem can resonate with a lot of people, artist or not, the message is just too beautiful.
The truth can be frightening
ReplyDeleteHmmm I guess it depends what the truth is. Some truths can be inspiring.
DeleteClaudia!! Lovely Claudia! I tend not to check blog updates after Tuesday (work commitments) and so have missed your return to the blogosphere! Hello and welcome back!!! And what a comeback! Love this poem - thank you. I tend to shy away from changes but boy when I do leap - I leap far and wide that it always takes everyone including me by surprise! No regrets though. Never! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Aawww! Thank you, Jennifer!
DeleteI'm trying to be more assiduos with my blog even though it's difficult at times. I've never been afraid of changes, in fact, I always welcomed them. That being said, in my more mature years, LOL, I've found myself treading lightly when it comes to certain changes. I'm glad your leaps have taken you far ;)
Nice seeing you around!
Say hello to Charlie.
Love Neruda. He's one of my favorite poets. I have identified with his words in this poem before-- many years ago, another lifetime away. The memories of that life help me to push on to my version of an authentic life today, and to accept changes with as you say, a more positive perspective. Thank you for sharing. :) Hope you're having a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that some poets/authors have such effect on our life? I'm glad to hear that you've accepted some changes that helped you be who you are today ;)
DeleteYes, I guess Neruda, this time, decided to give up a bit of his poetic skills for the sake of some valuable awareness-creating warnings.
ReplyDeleteI do identify.
I've been trying to change lots of things in my life too, and live without making too detailed plans; I'm trying to be led by the heart rather than by the brain, but that is also a difficult thing for a rational owl.
And I'm trying to run away from sensible advice. At least a bit. After all, I've followed sensible advice all my life.
Thanks for sharing this poem.
Isn't it nice that he came up with such a thought-provoking and realistic poem? I think this poem resonates with a lot of people, especially nowadays.
ReplyDeleteLike you, when I was younger, I used to live in the moment. In fact, that was my motto. ;)
Today, I am more careful about my decisions and I do listen more. My mom always told me, "He who listens to advice gets to live longer".
Oh wow this was beautiful...and very eye-opening.
ReplyDelete