Poem by Dylan Thomas

Poetry for standing strong in the face of grief and adversity.

With all the concern over Covid, killer bees, record breaking storms, rioting, and political bull. It’s easy to forget the person behind the blog.

We share our stories, our interests, our hearts with one another.. and still.
At the end of each post?
Life.
Reality.
The very real hardships we endure and the losses we must over come.

This poem speaks to suffering. How one more step, just one more breath, can sometimes be the greatest battle to surpass.
You do this because You Must.
You continue to fight.
And rage.

The only surprising thing about miracles, however small, is that they sometimes happen.
-Dylan Thomas

It’s been an unforgettable experience to have spoken with and heard the stories of so many incredible people who are struggling with overwhelming personal tragedies, obstacles, and heart ache.

My thoughts go out to you, your family, and them that bare these burdens with you.

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This poem was originally published by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas sometime in 1951.
Pulling inspiration from the heartbreaking decline in his father’s health, and subsequent passing, he’s said to have written it while visiting Florence in 1947 with his family.

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.

A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it.
Dylan Thomas

Most of us have small ways of distracting ourselves that keep things chugging along just a little longer.
I find small comfort in words. Poetry, reading, writing. This.

But other times.. it’s not that simple.

What keeps you sane?