On no Work of Words by Dylan Thomas
The narrative revolves around a young boy's journey through the Welsh landscape, exploring themes of identity, nationality and the complexities of growing up amidst cultural heritage. The story delves into the protagonist's inner world, where myth and reality blur, reflecting the poet's own experiences with language and belonging.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Philosophical · 241 words
First lines
On no work of words now for three lean months in the bloody Belly of the rich year and the big purse of my body I bitterly take to task my poverty and craft: To take to give is all, return what is hungrily given
Puffing the pounds of manna up through the dew to heaven, The lovely gift of the gab bangs back on a blind shaft.
To lift to leave from the treasures of man is pleasing death That will rake at last all currencies of the marked breath And count the taken, forsaken mysteries in a bad dark.
To surrender now is to pay the expensive ogre twice.
What this Textopian page supports
On no Work of Words 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, Philosophical, Metaphysical
- Length: 241 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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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 existential reflection and the use of complex language align with Modernist literary characteristics.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deep themes of existence, identity, and the human condition.
- Metaphysical — The work delves into abstract concepts and the nature of reality, typical of Metaphysical poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Autobiographical · Memoir · Literary · Classic · Wales · Welsh · Language · Identity · Culture · Family · Relationships