Summary of "Every Morning I Wake"
Full Summary
The poem "Every Morning I Wake" is an extract from the radio play "Under Milk Wood" written by the famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in 1954. In this poem, the speaker offers a heartfelt prayer to God, asking for mercy on the ordinary, often overlooked inhabitants living "under the Milk Wood." The poem celebrates the greatness and compassion of God, portraying Him as a loving guardian who watches over and protects the poor and vulnerable people.
The speaker prays every morning for God’s mercy on those born to live and die in the small town, trusting that their lives are fragile and dependent on divine care. Each evening, the speaker asks God to bless the town and its people, uncertain whether they will survive another day but hopeful that God’s blessing guides them safely through life and death.
The poem acknowledges human imperfection, emphasizing that no one in the town is entirely good or bad. It leaves the judgement of each person’s character to God, who alone can discern and decide their true nature. In the closing lines, the speaker envisions the entire town bowing to the sun with faith and hope for the arrival of a new day.
"Every Morning I Wake" reflects deep themes of human vulnerability, reliance on divine mercy, and the universal cycle of life and death. It conveys a tender sense of community and faith, illustrating the enduring hope in God’s benevolence to sustain and protect through life’s uncertainties.