This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure policy.
Written in 1947 and published in 1952 by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas this powerful poem has made numerous appearances in films, television and video games. “The Bourne Ultimatum”,” Independence Day” and “Doctor Who” are just some of the many places you can find lines of this poem used. The 2014 film “Interstellar” uses the poem to dramatic and powerful effect with its appearance as a backdrop to one of the scenes, heightening the emotional intensity. So powerful was its presence that the internet lit up with viewers wanting to know ‘what’s that poem’? So, you think you don’t like poetry?
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.
