The force that through the green fuse drives the flower

kborsden · Mar 30, 2007

This is ONE of my favourite poems by Dylan Thomas. What do you guys think?

The Force That Through The Green Fuse Drives The Flower

by Dylan Thomas

The force that through the green fuse drives the flower
Drives my green age; that blasts the roots of trees
Is my destroyer.
And I am dumb to tell the crooked rose
My youth is bent by the same wintry fever.

The force that drives the water through the rocks
Drives my red blood; that dries the mouthing streams
Turns mine to wax.
And I am dumb to mouth unto my veins
How at the mountain spring the same mouth sucks.

The hand that whirls the water in the pool
Stirs the quicksand; that ropes the blowing wind
Hauls my shroud sail.
And I am dumb to tell the hanging man
How of my clay is made the hangman's lime.

The lips of time leech to the fountain head;
Love drips and gathers, but the fallen blood
Shall calm her sores.
And I am dumb to tell a weather's wind
How time has ticked a heaven round the stars.

And I am dumb to tell the lover's tomb
How at my sheet goes the same crooked worm.

Deleted member 42 · Mar 30, 2007

I love comparing it to Marvell

poetinahat · Mar 30, 2007

This poem was my introduction to Thomas' work. It's both florid and personal, like a painting come to life.

It wasn't my first experience, but maybe the first memorable one, that made poetry passionate to me -- that I didn't need to pretend to feel.

Silkysun · Mar 30, 2007

I've read some of his poetry before at school for english lit but I dont really get it.

ddgryphon · Mar 30, 2007

"And I am dumb. . ."

This has always been one of my favorites--brilliant beyond my poor words.

Billytwice · Mar 31, 2007

Not a fan of Dylan Thomas at all.
Bought a book of his collected works, then another book of translations...LOL
Couldn't understand either!
I believe one shouldn't have to translate English into English anyhow.

Dylan · Apr 5, 2007

I`m a big DT fan.
This is one of his earlier poems-IMO, while it has fantastic imagery and word play-
"And I am dumb to tell the crooked rose
My youth is bent by the same wintry fever",
it perhaps lacks the maturity of say, "Poem in October" or "Fern Hill".
But it is a sublime poem.

William Haskins · Apr 5, 2007

more comments here:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25128

Ralyks · Apr 5, 2007

Even if it had no significant meaning, the mastery of multiple poetic devices alone would impress me.

The force that through the green fuse drives the flower

What do you think of this poem?

Brilliant

good

not so good

crap!

kborsden

Has a few recurring issues

Deleted member 42

poetinahat

say it loud

Silkysun

ddgryphon

King of Sloth Town

Billytwice

Dylan

William Haskins

poet

Ralyks

Untold stories inside