The surroundings blurred into light and shadows. The darkening shadows sharpened as the feature of the light shines across the cavity of the Newgrange, Ireland.
Once inside the tomb, it’s pitch black. This is a narrow passage that is not meant for claustrophobic.
A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows – St. Francis of Assisi
In faith, there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t. — Blaise Pascal, quoted in Thoughts from Earth (2004), p. 9.
When you are old and grey and full of sleep, and nodding by the fire, take down this book, and slowly read, and dream of the soft look your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep. How many loved your moments of glad grace, and loved your beauty with love false or true, but one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, and loved the sorrows of your changing face; and bending down beside the glowing bars, murmur, a little sadly how love fled And paced among the mountains overhead and hid his face amid a crowd of stars. — 1891 ‘WhenYou Are Old’, complete poem. Collected in The Rose (1893).
Note: these shots are copies of the old photo album of my travel to Ireland.
A beautiful series tells stories of “…shadow falls”. That is the a sentimental poem of “When You Are Old”.
Thank.You, Amy. The poem expresses my pilgrim soul as I age.
Enjoyed the pictures and your quotes, especially the poem.
Thank you.
I was claustrophobic just LOOKING at your photos Perpetua! A great choice for the challenge and I loved the poem altho I found it a bit sad.
It is a very tight spot, Tina. The poem is kind of a sad ending and it touches my pilgrim soul.
Love this. Great photos, but isn’t it a tight squeeze?
So tight that you have to suck your stomack in. 🤗
I’m hyperventilating already! Wow. That is a tiny space. But I love your thoughts and the poem. Beautiful metaphor too for the power of prayer and illumination.
The air is so thick inside. Thank you, Patti.
Very interesting place. I’d like to see it in the Winter Solstice.
Interesting and excellent images. 😀