Musings and poetry: Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night

Title:       Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night
Author:   Dylan Thomas

One thing I haven't talked about in My Books Musings yet is my love for poetry. It first started way back in grade 3 when our class had to recite to the whole student body a poem that I will share in future posts. With a few verses, it moved me, and I was so amazed that in only few, concise words, something beautiful was written, and its message was strongly felt.

Since then, I've been looking for books of poems that I can read and enjoy. While browsing Poems That Make Grown Men Cry, I came across one of my favorite poems.

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 that 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. 

I first studied Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night  in third year college when my literature professor, Mr. Calzado, assigned this to us for reading and discussion. There I learned that this was about fighting against succumbing to death, and since I've felt that way many times (you know, the feeling of just wanting to give up), this poem has always reminded me to keep fighting and to keep moving on. I haven't memorized this poem, but Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night's last line has been seared into my memory.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Are there any poems you love or have inspired you? I'd really love to hear some recommendations!


Cheers,