Katherine Edgley reflects on the beauty of Edinburgh in spring, finding perspective and joy in nature and poetry during the challenges of PhD thesis writing. by Katherine Edgley | PhD student As I sit working here at the BioQuarter, looking out over the hills as colours slowly start to emerge, I think of the poem ‘Invitation’ by Mary Oliver and how it is very fitting for the beginning of Spring here in Edinburgh.The bright yellow coconutty gorse is already blooming around Holyrood, my favourite place if I need a break from work, some fresh air, and some time to just take in the beautiful scenery we are so lucky to have right at our doorstep.If you are in the midst of a stressful period (for instance, writing up a PhD thesis as in my case!), I invite you to take a moment with this poem to appreciate the natural world around you and to keep things in perspective. I especially love the intensity of the last line, moving from watching birds to such a significant statement, perhaps reminding us that these little moments and appreciations are not actually ‘little’ but in fact the most joyful of all? Read the poem, Invitation by Mary Oliver via Read a little poetry Publication date 14 Jul, 2025
