Go Gently

Dylan Thomas 1
by Peter Rosshttp://peterrossart.co.uk/

Dylan Thomas had it wrong. Maybe.
When he asks his father to
rage against the dying
of the light, whose feelings
were in question?
Those I love have my permission
(not that they need it)
to love themselves enough
to go gently, when it's time.
I'll be fine.
Go or stay, as you wish.
Fight. Rage. Or close your eyes
and drift into Joy.
Everyone but you. You
have to fight for me.
Against all odds and circumstances.
Against despair and death
and death of hope.
You, I will be selfish with.



(c) Ellen Gillette, 2012

Not calling Thomas's motives into question, just thinking about the expectations we place on others to be responsibility for our own peace of mind or comfort level. We need to give the people in our lives the freedom to do what is best for them, not for us. And we must take responsibility for our own lives. And yet, there is usually at least one person - a child or spouse, lover or parent - who we hold onto a bit tighter. Perhaps Thomas's father was his.