Grief Thief of Time by Dylan Thomas
The narrative revolves around a protagonist who struggles with the concept of time and its relationship to human existence. The story explores themes of mortality, loss, and the passage of time, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Through a non-linear structure, the text delves into the complexities of memory, grief, and the human experience, ultimately questioning the nature of time itself.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Elegy · 275 words
First lines
Grief thief of time crawls off, The moon-drawn grave, with the seafaring years, The knave of pain steals off The sea-halved faith that blew time to his knees,
The old forget the cries, Lean time on tide and times the wind stood rough, Call back the castaways Riding the sea light on a sunken path, The old forget the grief,
Hack of the cough, the hanging albatross, Cast back the bone of youth And salt-eyed stumble bedward where she lies Who tossed the high tide in a time of stories And timelessly lies loving with the thief.
What this Textopian page supports
Grief Thief of Time is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1946 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Dylan Thomas
- Date: 1946 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernist, Elegy, Symbolism, Surrealism
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor, imagery, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes of time, memory, and existential reflection align with modernist literature, characterized by a break with traditional forms and an exploration of complex themes.
- Elegy — The text reflects on themes of grief and loss, common in elegiac poetry, which mourns the dead or laments a loss.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic language and imagery, such as 'the thief' and 'the sea,' suggests deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
Tags
Poetry · Loss · Mortality · Grief · Time · Memory · Regret · Longing · Nostalgia · Melancholy · Sorrow · Pain