Lights Out by Edward Thomas (1917)
The poem explores the theme of approaching death and the transition from life to the unknown realm of sleep. The speaker stands at the threshold of this metaphorical forest, symbolizing the end of consciousness and the inevitability of mortality. The imagery of a deep, unfathomable forest suggests a place where all paths converge, leading to a loss of direction and identity. The speaker reflects on the futility of human endeavors—love, ambition, and pleasure—all of which ultimately culminate in the same fate: sleep. This sleep is portrayed as a release, sweeter than any earthly task, indicating a longing for peace and escape from life's burdens. The speaker expresses a willingness to abandon all attachments, including cherished relationships and pursuits, to embrace the unknown. As the poem progresses, the forest's towering presence and its enveloping silence evoke a sense of foreboding yet also a serene acceptance of the inevitable journey into darkness. The speaker acknowledges the uncertainty of this passage, emphasizing the solitary nature of the experience. The act of entering the forest symbolizes a surrender to fate, where the self is lost in the vastness of the unknown. Overall, the work encapsulates the tension between the desire for life and the acceptance of death, portraying the latter as a natural conclusion to the human experience. The imagery and tone convey a profound contemplation of existence, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationship with life and mortality.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature · 163 words
First lines
I have come to the borders of sleep, The unfathomable deep Forest where all must lose Their way, however straight, Or winding, soon or late;
They cannot choose.
Many a road and track That, since the dawn's first crack, Up to the forest brink, Deceived the travellers Suddenly now blurs, And in they sink.
Here love ends, Despair, ambition ends, All pleasure and all trouble, Although most sweet or bitter, Here ends in sleep that is sweeter Than tasks most noble.
What this Textopian page supports
Lights Out is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature, Philosophical, Symbolism
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyrical — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on themes of sleep and existential contemplation.
- Nature — The imagery of the forest and natural elements is central to the poem's themes.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deep themes of existence, identity, and the nature of life and death.
Tags
Thriller · Mystery · Suspense · Crime · Detective · Investigation · Police Procedural · Gritty · Dark · Violent · Action-Packed · Fast-Paced