Do Not Rage

A meditation on resistance

Do not rage against the dying

Of the light,

For such is futility, like cursing

A stream that runs dry in May,

Or damning the fleeting December

Sun for robbing us of days.

Do not rage; let your heart not

Spend itself in vain resistance

Against the irreversible,

Only recall that the spring

Breaks free from winter's grasp,

And the sun returns in the morning.

Author's Note

With apologies to Dylan Thomas

Reviews

[kentuck14]

Old Dylan wrote a beautiful lyrical poem . . . but I agree . . . rage is never the answer!
good write, John.
Tom

[Kay]

That fourth stanza really hits the nail on its head. We often stress and focus on things that we have no control over, wasted in "vain resistance". Great write!

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. It is human nature to flare up over the uncontrollable (Think traffic gridlock), but in reality such usually only raises blood pressure.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes, apology accepted on behalf of the great man! A tight, flowing free verse with a sage message.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. Poor Thomas, beset by his demons, burned himself out. Still, a great poet.

[CatCrazy0430]

I think this is a marvelous poem. When it is time for us to go, its time. There is nothing we can do to stop it. If we accept it as it is, maybe we will die in a greater peace. I wonder what lies beyond death.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks. Indeed, all matter is volatile, proceeding from apparent beginnings to apparent endings. I can't prove it, but I feel the seeming separate identities are but changes of attire for a single Being.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Brilliant and light-filled words of faith. You artfully present the other side of the theological coin. Each of your verses make an eloquent and perfect argument for transcendence- peaceful, even joyous, transition from this life. Your analogies and imagery are poignant and so filled with truth. Dylan Thomas made his point. You have absolutely made yours. Your last verse is glorious.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Annette. While I have always admired the beauty of the Thomas poem, it is not good spiritual advice.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You’re very welcome John, and you are right.

[Chris Shaw]

We all die. I can't see the point in raging about it when it is our turn. A quiet acceptance would surely be more fitting and would leave us with more energy to prepare for the inevitable. What will be will be. I still enjoy Dylan Thomas's poem though, even if I don't agree with his point of view. Nicely conveyed lines here John.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, Chris. A poem can be beautiful and unwise simultaneously. Thomas was talented, but he died at 39, from too much raging and booze.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, another poet who died prematurely. What a hell raiser he was. Saw a great film about his life. Complex, it was.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like how you played on his (Dylan's) theme...
and yes, we can spend our life raging...or we can have acceptance for what is...and be hopeful and appreciate the better things to come.
nicely expressed here, fine poet...
j.

[John the Baptist]

Thanks, J. When you consider the way Thomas lived his wild, alcohol driven life, the poem's premise, despite its beauty, comes up short.