A Little Poetry for You: Thomas

For Poetry Friday I wanted to find a great audio recording of a poet reading his or her own work. I came across this pretty quickly and thought, if Rodney Dangerfield could perform this one so well in the movie Back to School, just imagine how much better the poet might do.

In fact, Dylan Thomas' reading of "Do not go gentle into that good night" makes the poem even more beautiful to listen to than it is on paper or screen alone. I'll put the first verses here for you to read, but I strongly recommend taking a few minutes to click the link and listen. The last verse, and the way Thomas' voice changes to suit the meaning there, is especially effective.

Do not go gentle into that good night
Dylan Thomas

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.

Go here for the rest of the poem, and the audio!

(While you're there, you might want to also check out Gwendolyn Brooks' quick discussion and reading of "We Real Cool.")