Compartment 114
Compartment 114
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Go Now So Gently Into That Good Night! Co-write With Rick Puetter

Go Now So Gently Into That Good Night! Co-write With Rick Puetter

A Poem by Sheila Kline
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Inspired by “Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night”, Dylan Thomas, 1914-1953

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This image is in the public domain and is available for free use, without attribution.

 

We recently learned that a writer and friend of Writer’s Café is facing his final days with friends and family.  And in the knowledge that words are only words, and that oft times even the most graceful of words utterly fail, we offer our most heartfelt prayers.  Our deepest respect.

 

 

Go now so gently into that good night!

 

     Inspired by “Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night”, Dylan Thomas, 1914-1953

 

Go now so gently into that good night,

Unerring faith holds steady at night’s eve;

Soar, soar into the harbor of the light.

 

And at life’s end, the wise hold good as right,

And they revere the grace that good works weave;

Go now so gently into that good night.

 

And at death’s door, good men, they cry how bright

Their trust held strong, a pow'r that ne’er deceives;

Soar, soar into the harbor of the light.

 

Sage men encompass goodness in its might,

And virtue through that faith they do receive;

Go now so gently into that good night.

 

Brave men, near death, who have fought the good fight,

Their journey comes and yet they do not grieve;

Soar, soar into the harbor of the light.

 

And you, Dear Friend, now readied to take flight,

Rejoice with me as life doth take its leave;

Go now so gently into that good night.

Soar, soar into the harbor of the light.

 

 

©2017 Sheila Bowyer Kline & Richard Puetter

All rights reserved individually and together.



Note

 

Our poem is meant to honor and contrast with Dylan Thomas’ poem “Do not go gentle into that good night,” which is repeated below.

Do 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.

 

 

From The Poems of Dylan Thomas, published by New Directions. Copyright © 1952, 1953 Dylan Thomas. Copyright © 1937, 1945, 1955, 1962, 1966, 1967 the Trustees for the Copyrights of Dylan Thomas. Copyright © 1938, 1939, 1943, 1946, 1971 New Directions Publishing Corp. Copyright provided free for educational use.

© 2017 Sheila Kline


Author's Note

Sheila Kline
I began working on this adaptation in January, 2017 and since Rick Puetter and I have several co-writes based on poems made famous by other well known writers, I requested his assistance in advancing the poem, which has evolved from my original concept of an antithesis to an adaptation of Dylan Thomas' poem.

I offer sincere thanks to Rick Puetter for his patience and insight into getting this piece to the point of presentation. When it is our time to take leave, may we each "Go now so gently into that good night"!








My Review

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Featured Review

Dear Sheila,
My spirit is so uplifted, reading this poem.We will all be taken by that soft, soothing night, how much better it would be to step into its velvety folds gently and with grace. I compliment you and Mr. Rick Puetter on this finely crafted, spiritual masterpiece. Sending you such love and prayers now...

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

6 Years Ago

Your words are appreciated! And yes, I hope to go as this!! Sending you love and prayers as well!!
DIVYA

6 Years Ago

Its such a blessing to read you and be your friend!



Reviews

Our legacy is the most important thing. We will never know ourselves, but for those who have shone a beacon of light in the world, that light will shine eternally for them.

Heartfelt and lovely.

T

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Thank you! Yes, it is that which we leave behind that shall be remembered. May our light shine on .. read more
A lovely job, both in motive and execution.I like everything about it, esp the sentiment of calmness and light.The message of acceptance probably suits more people than the idea of struggling against the inevitable. We spend much of our lives struggling one way or another. It seems a better idea to die in a state of calmness and acceptance as you show.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Thank you Ron for your words in favor of support and strength for those who are facing their final d.. read more
Sad but beautiful write. May God bless him as he passes into that light. Valentine

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Thank you Kathi! May we each at our appointed time find solace at this! Yes, may God grant Him an .. read more
I don't know which poet you are dedicating this to, but Richard and you have put together another masterpiece collaboration, Sheila. I recently learned two poets from another poetry site passed away. Any poet would be proud to have a poem like this dedicated to him/her. I am happy to read your son is doing better. The words here are touching. Lydi**

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Thank you Dear Lydi! It is our hope to bring him a bit of peace with our words. I do so much enjoy.. read more
I don't know who the ill member is, but it's very generous of Rick and you to show them such honor. We all shall take that journey, but hopefully not in anonymous silence.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Sam, thank you for your kind words for our fellow Writer's Cafe poet.....we are respecting his priva.. read more
This is a stunning piece of work by the both of you. I know of no others here that could weave such sentiments this way.

Death is indeed only the beginning of something far greater to those that have lived good life. This poem is poignant and delivered at the perfect time.

Excellent writing. :)

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Sheila Kline

7 Years Ago

Relic, it is because of your concern and compassion that we learned of this impending event, and I t.. read more

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835 Views
16 Reviews
Added on March 19, 2017
Last Updated on April 24, 2017
Tags: Solace, Acceptance, Compassion, Death, Faith, Good Works

Author

Sheila Kline
Sheila Kline

WV



About
I am a Poetess of Multiplicity who also enjoys genealogy research, current events, folk ballads and Irish/Celtic music, and I am a grand lover of dogs! I strive to live by the philosophy o.. more..

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