A Letter To Dylan Thomas

Forbid them not the gentle of good night.
Old age welcomes the rest at end of day.
Sweet to tired eyes the dying of the light.

Wise men who know the dark of light is right
Have shared their knowledge with wild youth and they
Go very gentle into that good night.

Good men, while young, enjoyed the daylight bright
And have put follies of their youths away.
Sweet to tired eyes the dying of the light.

Strong men who worked while sun was in its flight
Have earned the right to wave it on its way.
They now go gentle into that good night.

Brave men, near death, who see with blinding sight,
Must shield their eyes from sunlight's brightest ray.
Sweet to tired eyes the dying of the light.

And you my father, there in that bright light
Bless me, your child, with welcome smile I pray.
I now go gentle into that dark night.
Sweet to tired eyes, the dying of the light.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Devonshire Avatar
June 12, 2014 at 4:20 PM
Dear Joyce, I do believe our fathers and other loved ones will b there to welcome us when we "go gentle into that dark night." Although my mom died young, my father "raged against the dying of the light" and lived a long life. I can relate to every verse and especially the very last line. Would that we could join hands with a loved one and go together when the time comes. You have a gem for the contest, dear. Winning wishes and love, Carolyn
Horne Avatar
June 7, 2014 at 4:11 PM
love this clever write, Joyce. His 'Under Milk Wood' was recently at the theatre where I work. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, my friend xx
Lindley Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 11:12 PM
That would be thrillin' to Dylan.. Fine write my friend.. Bravo!!!!!!
Horsman Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Clever poetry Joyce, he would love this...
Mehta Avatar
June 6, 2014 at 5:48 AM
T%he master writer of the villanelle. nice tribute, joyce
Richards Avatar
June 5, 2014 at 8:11 PM
Ahh......this is wonderful dear Joyce. I think it fits beautifully in two of the recent contest challenges....gosh, how can you choose, it is the perfect poem!
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