Poem Analysis - Sometimes The Skys Too Bright

A Poem of Internal Turmoil and Self-Destruction

Dylan Thomas's "Sometimes The Sky's Too Bright" is a raw and unsettling exploration of inner conflict, guilt, and self-destructive tendencies. The poem plunges the reader into a world of intense emotions and unsettling imagery, where the speaker grapples with painful memories and a profound sense of alienation. The tone is initially melancholic and contemplative, quickly shifting to a more anguished and violent register as the speaker confronts his internal demons. This poem leaves the reader with a haunting feeling of unresolved pain and the unsettling sense that the speaker is caught in a destructive cycle.

The Burden of Memory and the Unbearable Present

One of the main themes explored in the poem is the burden of memory and its impact on the present. The opening stanzas establish a disconnect between the speaker and the world around him. The "bright" sky, ordinarily a source of joy, becomes overwhelming, a barrier to clear thinking about a lost "him." The speaker is haunted by "horrid images" and "over-fruitful smiles," suggesting a past relationship or encounter that continues to torment him. These memories are so powerful that they prevent him from finding peace in the present moment. The image of the "creature with the angel's face / Who tells me hurt" symbolizes a figure, possibly a memory itself, that embodies the pain and guilt the speaker cannot escape. The inability to "lift" this figure implies an inability to move beyond the past and its accompanying suffering.

Violence, Guilt, and the Self

Another crucial theme is the speaker's struggle with violence and its connection to his own sense of self. The second stanza introduces a disturbing act of violence against a woman. This act, however, is immediately followed by a realization: "I tear her breast, / And see the blood is mine, / Flowing from her, but mine." This suggests that the violence inflicted on another is ultimately a form of self-harm. The woman's pain becomes the speaker's pain, highlighting a profound sense of guilt and self-loathing. The speaker acknowledges the pain caused by his "hand" but seems detached, unable to fully connect with the suffering he inflicts. This detachment further underscores his internal fragmentation and alienation. The act can also be viewed metaphorically, suggesting emotional violence or a destructive pattern in relationships.

The Allure of Escape and the Inevitability of Pain

The poem also grapples with the theme of the allure of escape and the ultimate inescapability of pain. The speaker attempts to distance himself from his actions and feelings. He "watch[es] my hand, / But do not follow it, / And feel[s] the pain it gives, / But do not ache." This suggests a desire to detach from the consequences of his actions and to numb himself to the pain they cause. However, this escape is ultimately unsuccessful. The "angel's hurt is left; / His telling burns," indicating that the pain of the past continues to resonate despite the speaker's attempts to suppress it. The final lines, "Put the smile / Where tears have come to dry," suggest a forced attempt to mask the underlying sorrow, highlighting the futility of trying to escape the inevitable suffering.

Symbolic Brightness and the Bleeding Heart

Several recurring symbols and images contribute to the poem's overall message. The "bright" sky, initially a symbol of beauty and clarity, transforms into a symbol of oppressive clarity, a reminder of what the speaker cannot attain. Its overwhelming nature mirrors the speaker's internal turmoil and inability to find peace. The image of the bleeding heart, both literal and metaphorical, represents the speaker's pain, guilt, and self-inflicted wounds. The fact that the blood is identified as "mine" even as it flows from another emphasizes the interconnectedness of violence and self-destruction. One could interpret this as a cyclical relationship where the speaker feels the need to cause pain in others as a physical manifestation of the pain that he feels inside. Alternatively, is the speaker truly responsible for what has happened to him, or a victim of circumstance.

A Cycle of Pain and Unresolved Suffering

In conclusion, "Sometimes The Sky's Too Bright" is a deeply unsettling exploration of internal conflict and self-destructive tendencies. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and powerful symbolism, Dylan Thomas creates a portrait of a speaker tormented by the past, struggling with guilt, and seemingly trapped in a cycle of violence and pain. The poem offers no easy answers or resolutions, leaving the reader with a haunting sense of unresolved suffering and the unsettling realization that the speaker's demons may never be fully exorcised. The true significance of the poem lies in its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of the human psyche and the enduring power of pain and memory.