Song by Dylan Thomas (1946)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the passing of time through a series of vivid and often surreal images. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, using imagery from nature to convey the transience of human existence. Throughout the poem, Thomas employs a range of literary devices, including metaphor, simile, and alliteration, to create a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. The poem's structure and language are characterized by a strong rhythm and rhyme scheme, which adds to its musical quality and emphasizes the speaker's emotions. Ultimately, the poem presents a complex and nuanced exploration of mortality, one that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 284 words
First lines
When Mr Watts-Ewers (Licensed to sell Beer wine & spirits And tobacco as well),
Advertised in the papers He would open that night His brand new hotel, The town had a fright- Mr Alf Measure
Who kept the Bull's Head Wept like a baby And took to his bed- Mrs Lil Jenkins Of the old Pig & Swill
Sacked all the barmaids And was sick in the till- In every saloon And public too There was such a commotion
What this Textopian page supports
Song 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, Satire, Humor, Social Commentary
- Length: 284 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song by Dylan Thomas
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The poem humorously critiques societal norms and behaviors related to drinking and social establishments.
- Humor — The playful language and exaggerated scenarios contribute to a humorous tone.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on social dynamics and the impact of a new establishment on a community.
Tags
Poetry · Verse · Narrative · Stream-of-consciousness · Autobiographical · Confessional · Emotional · Intense · Imagistic · Symbolic · Metaphorical · Lyrical