Among the many pleasures of driving to Kilfarrasy Beach, which is about 5 miles from Tramore, is a field which is the grazing place of some beautiful horses. When others are down at the beach at sunset, I often find myself stopping to watch the horses in silhouette.
Yesterday, I simply had to stop when I saw this magnificent creature looking so peaceful:
So many thoughts came flooding into my mind as I stood at the gate and watched him but none more than a saying that my late mother used to quote when she thought that any of us were over-doing things:
“Remember the horses in the French Revolution. They had to work for ten days without a rest and they all dropped dead.”
She always highlighted the power of rest and saw it as being essential to being able to function to the best of one’s ability. Thus, she had no qualms about having a rest in bed every afternoon for an hour or so. She’d read her book, maybe have a little snooze and then get up ready to take on the world. She had a peace about her and wasn’t a person who rushed around. She was just as busy as anyone else but always looked like she had all the time in the world. I think she took a certain pleasure in slowing the pace down when people were racing around like as if they were on a frantic life-saving mission and being ‘busy bees, ‘ as she would call them.
As life moves on, I’m coming to see that she was right about the importance of rest and I think she’d be smiling to hear me, of all people, quoting this poem that echoes from my childhood:
Down by the salley gardens
my love and I did meet;
She passed the salley gardens
with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy,
as the leaves grow on the tree;
But I, being young and foolish,
with her would not agree.
In a field by the river
my love and I did stand,
And on my leaning shoulder
she laid her snow-white hand.
She bid me take life easy,
as the grass grows on the weirs;
But I was young and foolish,
and now am full of tears.
What a beautiful picture…and a beautiful memory too.
It was a screech to a halt job, Sue. I could hardly believe my eyes to see such beauty.
I can well imagine that, Jean. I would have too!
Poor Stan had to wait for his walk and wasn’t a bit impressed!
What a beautiful picture. Good job stopping to capture it. And thanks for sharing it with us.
My pleasure. I couldn’t not stop!
Sometimes we don’t understand what our mothers meant until years later. A great shot!
I listened alright but didn’t fully understand or didn’t want to, not sure which!
We all need to take a breather and stop and smell the roses..The picture of the horse is so serene looking…The poem was very touching..
So true, Joni. The notion of resting, though, has been subsumed even more by all this emphasis on being busy these days.
This picture of the horse captures the essence and beauty of “PEACE” better than anything I can think of. Thanks for stopping to record it and for sharing it. I trust Stan was satisfied with his walk after having to wait just a bit!
I’m so glad it resonates with you, Jane. I couldn’t have driven on!
Love your mother’s quote. That’s going to stick with me for a while.
Oh good! I’m delighted and I’m sure she would be too.
What a beauty. You captured it well Jean 🙂
Only a fraction of how beautiful the whole scene was, Arlene. Bear in mind that the waves were crashing just a few hundred yards away.
I can imagine the sound it creates.
I’m glad.
A lovely bit of Yeats there. Totally agree with your mother. No point in rushing to your grave and not enjoying the journey.
Hi Roy, I’m surprised that poetry has caught your attention. What’s going on????
I can relate to WB a bit.
I intend to put that to rights!
Its a beautiful photo. And course, Yeats. Sigh….love.
Thanks Lorrie ~ yes Yeats!
A most lovely silhouette of the horse against the sky, love it. And how nice to have been reminded of your mother, precious thoughts.
Hi Agnes, silhouettes fascinate me, always have.
Must say that Mother is never more than a heartbeat away so she comes into almost everything!
Best New Year reflection I’ve heard yet, Jean. Furry love to Stan.
Many thanks, Tara. That’s high praise indeed or else you haven’t been reading any New Year Reflections!
Stan sends his love.
I love horses, can’t help but stop and look at them when I see them. I love your mother’s philosophy – we do forget that it isn’t good to be busy all the time.