Their Faces Shone under some Radiance
The poem explores the theme of transcendence and spiritual awakening through the image of faces shining with an otherworldly radiance. It suggests that individuals can attain a higher state of consciousness, one that transcends the mundane and connects them to something greater than themselves. The poem's speaker describes these faces as being "under some Radiance", implying a subtle yet profound change has taken place within them. This transformation is not explicitly stated but rather hinted at through the use of imagery and symbolism. The tone is contemplative and meditative, inviting the reader to reflect on their own experiences and connections with others. The poem's focus on the faces as vessels for this radiance underscores the idea that human relationships can be a source of spiritual growth and illumination. The language is lyrical and evocative, using sensory details to convey the intensity and beauty of these moments. The overall effect is one of quiet reverence and awe, encouraging the reader to slow down and appreciate the subtle yet profound connections between people.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Romantic · 135 words
First lines
Their faces shone under some radiance Of mingled moonlight and lamplight That turned the empty kisses into meaning, The island of such penny love
Into a costly country, the graves That neighboured them to wells of warmth, (And skeletons had sap). One minute Their faces shone; the midnight rain Hung pointed in the wind,
Before the moon shifted and the sap ran out, She, in her cheap frock, saying some cheap thing, And he replying, Not knowing radiance came and passed.
The suicides parade again, now ripe for dying.
What this Textopian page supports
Their Faces Shone under some Radiance 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, Romantic, Symbolism, Tragedy
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes of existential reflection and the transient nature of beauty align with Modernist literary characteristics.
- Romantic — The focus on emotion, nature, and the sublime reflects Romantic influences.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic imagery, such as radiance and sap, conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Enjambment · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Modernism · Experimental · Lyrical