The Death of Hope

A poem inspired by the work of Dylan Thomas

Image: Levi Meir Clancy via Unsplash+

This poem is for

V. Walker | Poet

’s “Rewrite a Classic” challenge as part of her Poetry Month Celebrations. For my entry, I chose to rewrite Dylan Thomas’ piece, “Do not go gentle into that good night.”

You can find the full poem here for comparison.

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Do not fall prey to death and its charms. 
Rally your allies and take up arms. 
Hope should burn into the night.
Resist and fight the dying of the light. 

There is peace in acceptance but power in the fight. 
When life is at an end, death appears to be right,
But the reaper can be swayed with a wise hand. 
Perhaps you can change what it has planned. 

Good, evil, and everything in between. 
Our deeds reflect a vibrant sheen. 
Should we dance, trapped in the past?
Or recognize that the die has not been cast?

Regret drags us down in our late days. 
We fear that we have long been set in our ways. 
That life and hardships have beaten us down,
But approaching night should not take our crown. 

Mortal souls fight the march of time. 
Their eyes blazing each step of the climb. 
Rage fuels their every swing as they fight. 
Chasing the sun, pursued by endless night.  

So to those before and those to come, 
Do not accept your fate and become numb. 
Hold fast to the sun setting in your sky. 
Unfurl your wings so your soul can fly. 

My friends, do not let your flame go out. 
Even in times of hardship and drought. 
The death of hope is the death of light.
Hold fast; I promise the end is in sight. 

Thanks for Reading! Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this track after reading. Like pairing a glass of wine with dinner.