Do not go gentle, even tonight

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.

 -Dylan Thomas

Some analysts of this poem feel that it is about fighting for your life when you are near death. Some people with cancer have taken it on as their mantra to cling to life at all costs.  I say it is also a cheer for the human race, young and old alike. You have to fight for your life while you are still very much alive.  Don't let the TV take you. Don't sit passively by and let the light of your contribution to this world be diminished.  Act or speak out passionately about whatever it is you believe in.  Rage against the dying of the light and do not go gentle, even tonight.