Thursday, July 25, 2013

Do not go gentle into that good night - Dylan Thomas

Hope springs eternal doesn't it? Dad is still with us, although growing weaker each day. He has not eaten since Sunday, but he ate well then. My mom fed him, she came to see him at the hospital and he welcomed her with open arms. It was beautiful and heart breaking. She has been by his side since and I know that for me it's been healing. Something good did come out of dad's illness.

It's just a matter of time, I know that...but we all still keep looking at anything as a sign of hope, even though in reading all the literature provided by Hospice I know that he's following the natural path towards leaving this world.

 But as I've said before, he's a fighter. He will not go gentle into that good night.

 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

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4 comments:

  1. Alicia, I send you divine love from my heart to yours and prayers for peace and strength. I'm so sorry my friend.

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  2. That is a poem that I have always remembered from my school days.
    This is a difficult yet sacred time for your family.
    Thinking of you and sending a prayer for you and your family.

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  3. Alicia,

    I am very sorry to hear that your father is doing poorly. I am heartened that your mom and dad got back together but it is so sad that it is in these circumstances.

    Dylan Thomas is most appropriate for your dad, and his very tough and gritty daughter. Rage, rage on into light, Alicia, you have some bad weather blowing in on you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. I have great faith in you.

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  4. This is a very powerful post; the reconciliation of your parents on the background of your father's health deterioration is very touching.
    It's written beautifully and Dylan Thomas's verses are just the right ones here.

    May God be with you and your family in these hard times!

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