Sunday, January 25, 2015

Poetry Sunday


It's a sad weekend at our home, as my father passed away on Friday night. It was not completely unexpected, but is - of course - sad for those of us left behind to celebrate his life and mourn his passing.

Dad was very fond of the work of the Welsh writer and poet Dylan Thomas. Listening to our recording of Thomas reading his classic prose poem "A Child's Christmas in Wales" was always a highlight of our Christmas season, and I know that Dad would also appreciate one of the most famous of Dylan Thomas's poems as we celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
by Dylan Thomas

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.


So long, Dad. We'll miss you.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

9 comments:

eViL pOp TaRt said...

I am so sorry about your Dad, Bilbo. May God and memories provide some consolation in this time of pain. He is in my prayers.

Brandi said...

I'm truly sorry about your father, Bilbo.

KathyA said...

Blessings.

Mike said...

It's a strange feeling when you lose your last parent. RIP Dad.

Duckbutt said...

I'm sorry about your dad, Bilbo.

Grand Crapaud said...

A great poem. I'm sorry about your Dad, Bilbo.

Linda Kay said...

Loving parents are never forgotten, and bless you that you have only the memories left now. I do love the poem and remember it well. My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss.

allenwoodhaven said...

Sorry for your loss. Grief is a painful but necessary thing. I hope you will use your blog to share memories of him. I'll be glad to know about him. He clearly did things well; you turned out great.

Gonzo Dave said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family, Bill.