Life is Precious

Yet, there are times when we view death as a welcome visitor. After years of drifting into that dark prison called Alzheimer's, we view the death of the sufferer as a release to them and to us. After long, painful bouts with cancer, a patient may pray for the release of death.

But even in these situations, death is the ultimate enemy. We rejoice in the knowledge that Christ ultimately defeated death in his own death and resurrection. We don't understand this, but it does give us the hope to go on.

I always receive a spiritual recharging when I read Dylan Thomas' poem entitled, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." It speaks so eloquently to the gift of life and to the human spirit that fights the enemy until the very end.

Copyright © Jay D Weaver - December 17, 2002

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.