How To Treat A Swollen Rook

ODE TO LIFE Pablo Neruda

WHO DIES
(Ode to Life)

He or she who becomes a slave of habit, repeating every day the same itineraries
, who does not change the brand, who does not risk
and change the color of the clothes, does not talk to those who do not know.

He or she who makes of television his guru.

He or she who shuns passion, who prefers black on white, dotting
"I" rather than a set of emotions,
the kind that make your eyes glimmer, that turn a yawn
a smile, that make the heart beat before
mistakes and feelings.

He or she who does not overthrow the table when is unhappy at work
, who does not risk certainty for uncertainty,
to chase a dream, who would not allow, at least once in their lives to escape
sensible advice.

Slowly dies who does not travel, does not read, does not listen
music, who does not find grace in himself.

Dies slowly he who destroys self-esteem, who does not accept
help.

Dies slowly who passes his days complaining of his
bad luck or the incessant rain.

Dies slowly he who abandons a project before starting it, who
not ask questions on subjects he does not know who does not answer
when asked about something he knows.

We avoid death in small doses, remembering always that
being alive requires an effort far greater than the simple act of breathing
.

Only a burning patience will lead to the attainment of a splendid happiness
.

Pablo Neruda