Richard Adams (1/6/2008 11:09:00 PM)
I bought a copy of this poem in 1959 and have had it in my library since as a cherished treasure. Thomas is in that great Welsh tradition of musical poetry. The recording of him reading it has been a favorite for years, even though his diction is either somewhat affected or markedly provincial.Like so many poets of his generation, he kind of chants the poem. Thomas' eye and ear for what fascinates and attracts a child about winter and Christmas at home, and his language are unerringly accurate. My children also adore the work, and often ask me to read it to them as part of our observation of the season and day, a duty I shamelessly relish. It's always been heartbreaking to know of his early demise and destructive relationship with alcohol, a real moth-flame affair. Too sad. This work of his figures in my every celebration of Christmas, in one way or another, and likely will always do so. |
Dylan Thomas
Free
Poetry E-Book: