Rage against the dying of the light

I have been back to the Pacific Northwest for a couple weeks now and am sure glad not to be suffering through the heat wave baking the Midwest into parched earth. Here in Portland, it still feels like an extension of Spring--we might pass right by Summer this year. Our high temperature here today is comparable to the overnight low in my hometown tonight.

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

My father had another set-back last week when he was hospitalized with severe dehydration.  We thought we were going to lose him. This time my brother made the pilgrimage home to provide support and to interface with health care providers. We three siblings on the West Coast have been finding out the extreme emotional difficulty of living so far away from aging parents, and the frustration of not having close daily contact in a time of crisis.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Although a large amount of my time now is spent in family communications and follow up,  I have been working on some new items for my shop and have been trying to get some regular exercise--both body movement and working with my hands has been such good therapy for stress.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night , Dylan Thomas

The memory keeper shawl is finished. Next post, you'll see some photos. Also, the annual blog giveaway will be happening soon. Look for a post by month-end that shows what goodies will be featured in the giveaway drawing for you all this year.