It is perhaps Dylan Thomas' most famous poem, a poem he wrote to/for his father. If you are not a Thomas fan, never studied English literature and are not familiar with him at all you've probably heard of this poem in one context or another. I have featured it here once before but it has been a few years ago and it seems it may be time for it again. Time to remind ourselves not to go gentle into that good night and to continue to rage, rage against the dying of the light. After all, "Old age should burn and rave at close of day."
by Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
This is one poem almost everyone has heard of because this speaks to what, perhaps, is buried within each of us - the spark that leads us to fight to survive until we no longer can.
ReplyDeleteI'd say it is one of the most familiar poems in the English lexicon and I think you have accurately assessed the reason for its popularity.
DeleteI had to go and listen to a recording of Dylan Thomas reading this poem, and then Michael Sheen.
ReplyDeleteI remember listening to the Thomas recording several years and I think that's when the poem really lodged in my heart and became a favorite.
DeleteOne of the landmark works in the English language, perhaps especially appropriate at the passing of Robert Muller.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. A great man. This country and the world owe him much. Let's hope we don't squander it all.
DeleteI'm raging against the dying of the light, and I'm trying to find ways to bring in some flashlights here and there.
ReplyDeleteWell said. We each try to find ways to light the darkness.
DeleteThis is one of my favorite all-time poems!
ReplyDeleteMine, too.
DeleteThis is a great poem! Thank you so much for sharing! I also wish to thank you for your visit and kind comment on my blog! I really appreciate it so much. I post on Mondays and Thursdays.
ReplyDeleteI like the light blue colour of your blog background, it is very calming!
I was happy to discover and visit your blog. Thank you for visiting mine!
DeleteDitto. I will rage against the dying light. Nice poem entry this week.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned elsewhere, it is one of my favorites.
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