I’ve always thought that “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was a poem that could easily (with a few subtle word changes) be applied to our weight loss journey. Written for his dying father, the message is one of not giving up, even when the odds look insurmountable.Do not go gentle into that bad weight,
Our blog should burn and rave at close of meal;
Rage, rage against the piling of the plate.
Though wise men know that fat is not our fate,
Because dying large is not part of the deal.
Do not go gentle into that bad weight.
Good men, the last wave by, they do not wait.
Good men, the last wave by, good meals create.
A healthy dinner might have been consumed today.
Rage, rage against the piling of the plate.
Wild men who snacked and watched TV ‘til late,
And learn, at last, they put on pounds this way.
Do not go gentle into that bad weight.
Grave men, obese, yet won’t get their diets straight.
Blind eyes that lead them towards the buffet.
Rage, rage against the piling of the plate.
And you, my friends, there with your fat fate.
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray
Do not go gentle into that bad weight.
Rage, rage against the piling of the plate.
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ReplyDeleteG'morning, Jack!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that the yellow can be difficult to read for those of us who subscribe to your blog & read it in an RSS feed (without the black background the help).
Just something to think about.
What a great poem. It still boggles my mind how you think and come up with this stuff. I must admit it makes me want to do it too *smile*. Hope you're having a good weekend Jack.
ReplyDeleteI feel sensitive and almost weepy today and this seemed so cued to my mood. Anyway, this was great with my morning coffee. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the blood of the bards flows through you so I wonder if you have Gaelic or Welsh ancestry? The wit and way with words makes it seem so.
Thank you yet again for creating an excellent post.
ReplyDeleteVery poetically pleasing. Great picture you've added - unbelievable success. I'm glad you kept the beard!
ReplyDeleteCool translation! I actually posted teh original of the poem a while back because I too thought it went well with my journey to not give up. TO RAGE if need be...
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to rage against the piling of the plate tomorrow at Thanksgiving dinner!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful poem, funny when you add the piling of the plate....but still strangely lyrical. good job.
ReplyDeleteI put this poem on my blog when my mom was dying...it's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteSomehow, nowadays, I like yours better :D
I am NOT going into the bad weight, now way!
ReplyDeleteDude, I just noticed your side bar pics and you look fan-friggin-tastic! Job well done friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd tip of my hat to your witty interpretation of poetry (and everything else).
rage, rage against the tightening of the pants! bravo!
ReplyDeleteWow -- a picture! What has come over you?!!!
ReplyDeleteLove it. And all of them. All of your effort. Thanks Jack.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you posted something this awesome on a Saturday!?!? You're going to have to re-post it later...on a weekday, lol.
ReplyDeleteMr Jack, thanks for the poem. I will probably think about a lot for the next few days. Thomas is on of my favorites. He died before he was 50 - his demon (addiction) was alcohol.
ReplyDeleteYet he writes a poem asking his "father" to fight against old age. I have a few theories as to the meaning of the poem but no one here wants to read them.
I like to smoke cigars and use to get testy with overweight people who give me health advice. I no longer. I feel sorry for them like I do Thomas. Living their battles through others. Begging others to fight something they are too weak overcome.
Have a nice day and thanks for the post.
Jack this is great. The English major in me really appreciates your literary side!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments on my blog. I'm telling you, it looks to me like you hit your "ideal" weight a few pounds ago. You are a big guy, right? Don't get too skinny! What does your wife think?
I am biased, of course. My DH is 6'1" and last night he told me he is at 231. He looks great to me. Maybe 10 lbs to lose, but thats it.
Looking at your before pic, seems like just 50 or so pounds would have done the trick for you. But what do I know? You have done an amazing thing, thats for sure.
Make sure you don't lose the beard along with the pounds! Looks great on you.
Just saw the pictures on your blog! I think you need some new clothes man!! Congratulations on all you have accomplished. You should be really proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteNow onto the rest of your life.
I loved this! Thanks!
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