Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed

Dylan Thomas

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Lie still, sleep becalmed, sufferer with the wound
In the throat, burning and turning. All night afloat
On the silent sea we have heard the sound
That came from the wound wrapped in the salt sheet.

Under the mile off moon we trembled listening
To the sea sound flowing like blood from the loud wound
And when the salt sheet broke in a storm of singing
The voices of all the drowned swam on the wind.

Open a pathway through the slow sad sail,
Throw wide to the wind the gates of the wandering boat
For my voyage to begin to the end of my wound,
We heard the sea sound sing, we saw the salt sheet tell.
Lie still, sleep becalmed, hide the mouth in the throat,
Or we shall obey, and ride with you through the drowned.

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Comments1
  • faithtracey

    Ah, haven't read this one in quite a while. Brings back memories from my younger years, used to send shivers down my spine. Always found this one so gritty and dark. I can practically taste the salt and feel the waves. Its beauty is kind of haunting in a way. Love it!