Dylan Thomas
Author of the day

Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas was a celebrated Welsh poet whose vivid imagery, lyrical intensity, and unique use of language captivated readers worldwide. His work, often characterized by its passionate exploration of life, death, love, and nature, combined a deep connection to his Welsh heritage with a modernist sensibility. Despite a tragically short and often tumultuous life, his poems possess an enduring power and musicality that have secured his place as one of the 20th century's most important poets.

Poem of the day

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. 

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 that 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.
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Born on this day

11
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Daniel Cruz Filho

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator, celebrated for his lyrical verse and narrative poems. His work often drew inspiration from mythology, history, and American folklore, making complex themes accessible to a wide audience. He became one of the most popular poets of his time, both in the United States and abroad, though his literary reputation has evolved over the years. Longfellow's poems frequently explored themes of heroism, domestic life, and the passage of time. His accessible style and moralistic undertones resonated deeply with Victorian sensibilities, cementing his status as a beloved literary figure. Despite later critical re-evaluations, his contributions to American literature and his role in shaping national identity through verse remain significant.

So pitiful as these!
Lawrence Durrell

Lawrence George Durrell (1912-1990) was a British novelist, poet, playwright, and diplomat. Born in British India, he spent much of his adult life in the Mediterranean, and his work often reflects these experiences. He is best known for his novel "The Alexandria Quartet", a tetralogy that explores the complexities of human relationships and cultural identity. Durrell was also a prolific poet and wrote travel books, essays, and memoirs. His style is characterized by rich, sensory prose and the exploration of themes such as love, war, memory, and the search for meaning.

Kenneth Koch

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Félix José da Costa

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D. João de Castro

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Baptista Bastos

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Roland Flint

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Died on this day

7
Rita Barém de Melo

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Frei Bernardo de Brito

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Salvador Reyes Figueroa

Salvador Reyes Figueroa was a notable Chilean writer and poet, with a body of work that moves between prose and verse, exploring the culture, history, and identity of Chile. His writing is marked by a deep connection with literary traditions and a humanistic vision, sensitively addressing the complexities of Chilean life and society.

Risto Jačev

Risto Jačev is a Macedonian poet and writer, known for his work that oscillates between lyrical poetry and reflective prose. His writing is marked by a deep connection with nature, culture, and the identity of the Macedonian people. With a rich and imagistic language, Jačev explores universal themes through a particular lens on his homeland. His poetry and prose are appreciated for their formal beauty and their ability to evoke deep emotions and reflections in readers.

Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan was a prolific and celebrated comedian, musician, writer, and actor, best known as one of the most influential figures of the British comedy scene. He was a principal writer and performer of the iconic radio comedy series 'The Goon Show', which revolutionized British broadcasting with its surreal humor and anarchic style. Milligan's work often blended absurdity, wordplay, and satire, reflecting his unique and often melancholic worldview. His contributions extended beyond comedy to poetry and prose, where he explored themes of war, love, and everyday life with a distinctively quirky and poignant touch.

A Silly Poem
José García Nieto

Spanish poet whose work is part of the Generation of '50. His poetry is characterized by a deep reflection on the human being, time, and the existential condition, often tinged with melancholy and a search for transcendence. García Nieto explored both traditional form and free verse, imbuing his verses with great musicality and emotional depth.