"Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light." ~Dylan Thomas, final two lines This poem was written for a man's dying father. I read a book that used this poem to symbolize a revolution against a corrupt government. I'm sure there are more meanings for this poem, and that's the thing that I love about it. The entire poem itself is a beautiful piece, but these last two lines are the ones that always stick out to me. They urge me to stand up for what I believe in, to not give in--to never give in. Whenever I read these two lines, I'm always struck with a feeling of power. It's like that moment when the Power Rangers morph into their suits: there's lightning and moving objects and a normal person at the end but a superhero at the end. I feel like I can make a difference in the world, bring about change, fight the patriarchy, anything really. Thomas wrote this for his dying father, urging him to hold onto his life, to not his will to live. I look at this poem and see it differently (which is one of the beautiful things about poetry.) I read this poem and I think, "I won't let myself be oppressed. I won't let myself be forced to do anything against my will. I won't, I won't, I won't." This poem inspires change and fight and drive and fire. Now, more than any other time, it is important to remember the words of Dylan Thomas. I know that most people think the 14th of February, aka Valentine's Day, is nothing more than a capitalist scheme invented to make hundreds of thousands of people spend tons of money. The hearts in pink, red, and white stapled everywhere gives them a stomach ache, as does the smell of the plastic-y chocolate in those cheap $2 heart boxes. The roses, the chocolates, the gifts are all seen as luxurious nothings given on the so-called "Day of Love" that way one significant other doesn't have to do anything for their partner for the rest of the year.
I, however, do not believe that. Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's dumb how some people treat Valentine's Day as one of the only days to show your love. I believe that you should show your love everyday because the person you love deserves that. But I do still think that Valentine's Day is important. Recently, I found the story of Saint Valentine. (Of course, this is only an idea of how Valentine's Day came to be, but I think it's how it actually happened.) A long time ago, there was a leader who banned young men from being married due to the fact that he needed more soldiers for his army. Of course this wasn't fair and one man, a priest, decided that he was going to ignore the law. The priest, Valentine, married soldiers because he believed in love. Eventually, Valentine was found out, imprisoned, and executed. Before he was executed, he befriended the blind daughter of his prison guard and eventually gave her sight. Legend says that he wrote her a note before his execution signed, "From Your Valentine." And that is how Valentine's Day was started. Again, this is only one version of how Valentine's Day came to be, but it's my favorite. I think it truly captures the essence and the meaning of love. Valentine knew that he would be killed, but he went through and united couples in love and happiness anyway. It adds a layer to Valentine's Day, it adds a depth. Valentine's Day is not just romantic love; it's familial, friendly, neighborly love. (At least, that's what I believe.) I think love is the most important thing there is, and Valentine's Day could be a wonderful holiday if we celebrate it for what it truly is: a celebration of love. 1. Grand pianos
2. Big, floppy hats 3. Cotton candy ice cream 4. Old, vintage names 5. Shoes with bows 6. Cats 7. Peter Pan collars 8. Black nail polish and red lipstick 9. Musical scores 10. Fairytales |
BellaBSU student
Musical fanatic Lover of books and all things cake-related Archives
April 2018
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