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To Be: Answering Hamlet

In the infamous soliloquy of Act III, Scene I, Hamlet was quick to list the ills "that makes calamity of so long life". I offer the following as a riposte, in agreement with Dylan Thomas that one should "not go gently into that good night".

The ecstasy of passion.
The joy in creating.
A child's laughter.
The excitement of discovery.
Wading in warm waters.
A warm sun and a cool breeze.
Wind and leaves.
The sound and touch of snowflakes.
Moonlight, the aurora, a sea of stars.
Good food, good drink, good company.
An infant in your arms.
Flowers.
Birdsong.
An eagle aloft.
Music that makes you ache.
A walk in the misty rain.

© 1997-2005 Roland F. McKenney

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