Thursday Short Poem: Ridland's "Tune from Dylan Thomas"

I won't be posting again until next week; I'm spending the next few days in Santa Barbara at my father's bedside.  For the Thursday Short Poem this week, I'm choosing a poem written for my Dad by his long-time dear friend, fellow Englishman and UCSB colleague, John Ridland.  My father has been an amateur cellist for much of his life, and until just a few weeks ago, he was able to play.

Ridland, of course, is simply transposing a famous Dylan Thomas poem.  My family and I are immensely grateful for this gift; my father loved it when he received it two months ago.

A Tune from Dylan Thomas
(Transposed for Hubert Schwyzer by John Ridland)

Do not go quiet into that good light,
Even in age a man should sing and play:
Play, play his cello morning, noon, and night.

Though wise men at their end know left from right,
Because their thoughts have opened windows, they
Do not go quiet into that good light.

Good men, the last wave waved, crying how bright
The sunlight dances on Goleta Bay,
Play, play their cello morning, noon, and night.

Mild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And always knew it must be on its way,
Do not go quiet into that good light.

Grave men, near death, who hear with second sight
Wide open ears can seize the failing day,
Play, play their cello morning, noon, and night.

And you, dear friend, there on your happy height,
Bless wife, sons, daughters, us, fiercely we pray
Do not go quiet into that good light.
Play, play your cello morning, noon, and night.

Comments

[Mercedes]

I saw your dad's picture playing....a wonderful legacy of love and music for your family. My thoughts and prayers go with you Hugo. I would have trully loved to have met this man. Take care! And yes, play your cello morning, noon, and night.

[John Ridland]

I see you are a World-Class Blogger!!
Where can I send you a private e-mail?

[Hugo]

John, I'm at dochugoboy@hotmail.com