Dying Slowly

Tonight I share with you one of my favorite poems.  It was written by Brazilian writer, Martha Medeiros.  It is , To Death Slowly.


To Death 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 to your habits,
walking everyday on the same paths...If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colors or you do not speak to those you don't know.

You start dying slowly if you avoid to feel passion and it's turbulent emotions, those that 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, or with your surroundings.

If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,
If you do not allow yourself,
at least once in your lifetime
to run away from sensible advice.

- Martha Medeiros