Jim Keller Verse-Virtual 2017 March

March 2017

The poem by Dylan Thomas, "Do not go Gentle into That Good Night," has always been my favorite. and I have identified with the man speaking thus to his aged farther. But now I am of an age and can imagine hearing it addressed to me. I crafted this villanelle as a pretend response to the Thomas villanelle to my son. But on the other hand, this could be Thomas' father responding to Dylan.

I Will Go Gentle into That Good Night

I will go gentle into that good night
My age’s proclaimed and named me old
But I am just a babe if seen in light

I thought me wise and knew the right
My lightning forked, but I was not bold
I will go gentle into that good night

A decent man, I’d waved and greeted all in sight
My deeds that danced have now grown cold
But I am just a babe if seen in light

As bright young man my needs were slight
I’d mooned the moon if truth be told
I will go gentle into that good night

A graven man, my body had been tight
Now age has made it rust and mold
But I am just a babe if seen in light

And you my son on this bright height
I bless with tears as now you’re told
I will go gentle into that good night
But I am just a babe if seen in light

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