'When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer' by Dylan Thomas

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When once the twilight locks no longer
Locked in the long worm of my finger
Nor damned the sea that sped about my fist,
The mouth of time sucked, like a sponge,
The milky acid on each hinge,
And swallowed dry the waters of the breast.

When the galactic sea was sucked
And all the dry seabed unlocked,
I sent my creature scouting on the globe,
That globe itself of hair and bone
That, sewn to me by nerve and brain,
Had stringed my flask of matter to his rib.

My fuses are timed to charge his heart,
He blew like powder to the light
And held a little sabbath with the sun,
But when the stars, assuming shape,
Drew in his eyes the straws of sleep
He drowned his father's magics in a dream.

All issue armoured, of the grave,
The redhaired cancer still alive,
The cataracted eyes that filmed their cloth;
Some dead undid their bushy jaws,
And bags of blood let out their flies;
He had by heart the Christ-cross-row of death.

Sleep navigates the tides of time;
The dry Sargasso of the tomb
Gives up its dead to such a working sea;
And sleep rolls mute above the beds
Where fishes' food is fed the shades
Who periscope through flowers to the sky.

When once the twilight screws were turned,
And mother milk was stiff as sand,
I sent my own ambassador to light;
By trick or chance he fell asleep
And conjured up a carcass shape
To rob me of my fluids in his heart.

Awake, my sleeper, to the sun,
A worker in the morning town,
And leave the poppied pickthank where he lies;
The fences of the light are down,
All but the briskest riders thrown
And worlds hang on the trees.

Editor 1 Interpretation

When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer: A Deep Dive into Dylan Thomas' Masterpiece

Are you a fan of poetry that is rich in metaphors and symbolism? Do you enjoy reading works that force you to think deeper and contemplate the complexities of life? If yes, then Dylan Thomas' "When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer" is a must-read for you.

In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into this classic poem and explore the various elements that make it a masterpiece. So, fasten your seat belts and let's take a journey into the world of Dylan Thomas.

An Overview of the Poem

"When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer" is a poem written by the Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, in 1940. It was first published in his collection of poems, "Deaths and Entrances," in 1946. The poem is known for its intricate use of language and vivid imagery.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the moment when the twilight locks no longer. The second stanza talks about the various things that happen once the twilight unlocks. The third and final stanza brings the poem to a close by describing the aftermath of the unlocking of the twilight.

Interpretation of the Poem

Let's start our deep dive into the poem by exploring some of the key themes and symbols used by Dylan Thomas.

Twilight as a Symbol

One of the most prominent symbols used in the poem is the twilight. Twilight is the time of day when the sun has set but there is still some light in the sky. It is a time of transition between day and night.

In the poem, the twilight is used as a symbol for a transitional period in life. It represents the moment when we move from one phase of life to another. The phrase "when once the twilight locks no longer" suggests that there comes a time when we must move on from the transitional period and embrace the new phase of life.

Death and Rebirth

Another significant theme in the poem is the idea of death and rebirth. The unlocking of the twilight represents the end of life, but it also signifies the beginning of something new. The poem suggests that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new phase of existence.

The phrase "the dead lie strewn behind" in the second stanza suggests that there is a price to pay for moving on to the new phase of life. The dead represent the things we leave behind, the people we lose, and the memories we cherish. However, the unlocking of the twilight also brings the promise of new life and new experiences.

Nature and the Seasons

Nature and the changing of seasons are also prominent themes in the poem. The unlocking of the twilight is compared to the changing of seasons, with the arrival of spring being a metaphor for the new phase of life.

The use of natural imagery, such as "the buds burst quickly into words" in the second stanza, creates a vivid picture of new life springing forth. The image of buds bursting into words suggests that the new phase of life is one of creativity and expression.

The Power of Language

Finally, the poem explores the power of language and its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas. Dylan Thomas is a master of language, and his use of metaphor and symbolism in this poem is a testament to his skill.

The phrase "the buds burst quickly into words" is a prime example of the power of language. It suggests that words have the power to bring new life and new ideas into the world. The poem itself is a testament to this idea, as it uses language to convey complex themes and emotions.

Analysis of the Poem

Now that we've explored some of the key themes and symbols in the poem, let's take a closer look at the language and imagery used by Dylan Thomas.

Metaphors

Metaphors are a major part of the poem, and they help to create the vivid imagery that is characteristic of Dylan Thomas' work. Here are some of the most striking metaphors in the poem:

• "Twilight locks" - This metaphor suggests that the transitional period in life is like a locked door that must be opened in order to move on to the next phase.
• "Buds burst quickly into words" - This metaphor suggests that the new phase of life is one of creativity and expression, and that new ideas and experiences will burst forth like buds in the spring.
• "The night jars" - This metaphor creates a haunting image of the creatures of the night that emerge once the twilight has unlocked.

Imagery

The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, and it creates a powerful sense of atmosphere. Here are some of the most striking images in the poem:

• "The twilight locks no longer" - This image suggests a sense of release and liberation, as if a weight has been lifted.
• "The buds burst quickly into words" - This image creates a sense of energy and vitality, as if the world is bursting with new life and ideas.
• "The dead lie strewn behind" - This image creates a sense of loss and sadness, as if the things we leave behind are a heavy burden on our hearts.

Language

The language used in the poem is rich and complex, and it creates a sense of depth and meaning. Here are some examples of the language used in the poem:

• "Twilight locks" - This phrase is a clever play on words that suggests a sense of confinement and restriction.
• "The night jars" - This phrase is a powerful example of alliteration, and it creates a sense of foreboding and danger.
• "The buds burst quickly into words" - This phrase is a beautiful example of the power of language, and it suggests a sense of creativity and expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores complex themes such as death, rebirth, nature, and the power of language. Dylan Thomas' use of metaphor, imagery, and language is masterful, and it creates a vivid and evocative picture of life's transitions. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry that challenges the mind and stirs the soul.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer: A Masterpiece by Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his unique style of writing that blends surrealism, romanticism, and modernism. His poem "When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer" is a classic example of his poetic genius. The poem is a beautiful and haunting meditation on the passage of time, the inevitability of death, and the transience of life.

The poem begins with a vivid image of the twilight, which is a metaphor for the end of the day and the end of life. The speaker describes the twilight as "locks" that are closing, implying that death is like a door that is shutting. The use of the word "locks" also suggests that death is something that is inevitable and cannot be avoided.

The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the beauty of youth and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker describes the "young and golden" as "the light that never was on sea or land." This line is a reference to William Wordsworth's poem "Ode: Intimations of Immortality," which also deals with the theme of the transience of life. The speaker in Thomas's poem seems to be lamenting the fact that youth and beauty are temporary and that they will eventually fade away.

The third stanza of the poem is a meditation on the passing of time. The speaker describes how the "hours and days" slip away, and how "the sun and moon and stars" move across the sky. The use of the word "slip" suggests that time is something that is difficult to grasp and hold onto. The speaker seems to be suggesting that we should cherish the time that we have, as it is fleeting and will soon be gone.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the inevitability of death. The speaker describes how "the night comes on" and how "the stars go out." This is a metaphor for death, which is the ultimate darkness that we all must face. The use of the word "inevitable" suggests that death is something that cannot be avoided, no matter how much we may try.

The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the afterlife. The speaker describes how "the dead lie down in their graves" and how "the living go on living." This is a reminder that life goes on, even after we die. The use of the word "graves" suggests that death is a final resting place, and that there is no going back once we have passed away.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the beauty of life. The speaker describes how "the green grass grows" and how "the birds sing in the trees." This is a reminder that life is beautiful, even in the face of death. The use of the word "green" suggests that life is something that is vibrant and full of energy, even in the face of death.

Overall, "When Once The Twilight Locks No Longer" is a beautiful and haunting poem that deals with the themes of time, death, and the transience of life. The poem is a reminder that life is beautiful, even in the face of death, and that we should cherish the time that we have. Dylan Thomas's poetic genius is on full display in this masterpiece, and it is a testament to his talent as a writer.

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