This is the dawn that I was waiting for

Esta é a madrugada que eu esperava
O dia inicial inteiro e limpo
Onde emergimos da noite e do silêncio
E livres habitamos a substância do tempo

Joining the Olhanense fishermen at dawnMy title is the opening line of Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen’s poem – 25th April. Born this day in 1919, she is considered one of the most important Portuguese poets of the 20th century. Much of her work was about the sea however this poem was of course about the revolution. She was a key figure in supporting the movement against Salazar’s regime. As well as her sea and protest poetry she wrote Children’s Books, of which some I believe are still a part of the Portuguese curriculum today. You can find her work on display at the Oceanarium in Lisboa, there is a bust in the botanical gardens in her home town of Porto and one of the stunning viewpoints in Lisboa is now named after her as is the Municipal Library of Loulé.

This is the dawn that I was waiting for
The first, whole and clear day
Where we emerged from the night and the silence
And free, we live in the substance of time

Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen 6 November 1919 – 2 July 2004

Author: BeckyB

It had been a good life walking, cooking, photographing, volunteering, blogging, and best of all spending time with MrB, family, & friends. Sadly it is no longer what it was, as suddenly and unexpectedly I became a widow.

20 thoughts

  1. Pingback: ‘Watch the sunrise at least once a year’ – Becky in Portugal

  3. It must have been an amazing feeling, musn’t it? Not quite the same with Trump! 🙁 And yes, your photos are beauteous 🙂 🙂 Getting packed for the off?

    1. Half packed but also having to pack up house so all a tad confusing for my brain today especially after being ‘trumped’!

  7. Lovely sunrise. I am currently planning a holiday to Portugal next year. Start in Lisbon and travel north to Porto by train and then finish along the northern coast. have you got any tips for the itinerary?

    1. Thanks Andrew . . and how exciting. Unfortunately our northern explorations haven’t happened yet so I can’t really advise. However do check out Salt of Portugal and Julie Dawn Fox for ideas as they have done lots of northern trips

        1. Ah you’ll have to give me tips on Porto when we go.
          Lisboa I can advise on though . . .simply click on my Lisboa link for some ideas 🙂

  8. Beautiful pictures Becky and a reminder to savour those precious moments. I sadly lost my father this week but he always said that you need to get something out of every day.

    1. Oh Nigel I’m so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care and yes he was absolutely right we should try and get something out of every day. A thought very relevant for you and one I think I’ll borrow.
      Take care

    1. Thanks Nia……dawns like this remind you all of what is good in the world.
      Do hope things are ok with you and your country at moment. News reports here have been a bit worrying

      1. yes, so worrying and I am not sure for the future. But hope and wishes… and prayers… I wished I could change the things. But! Thank you dear Becky, Love, nia

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