Crackling fire, shrinking slow.
Outside, rages a storm of snow.
Through my shelter howls a wind.
I'm unsure if I can defend,
myself from the dark and cold,
as the fire grows ever old.

To get some rest is my desire.
But with the cold, I shall expire.
So I force myself to stay awake.
As my body begins to shake.
Suddenly I feel every ache.
I think of every person I've hurt.
Every opportunity missed, a mistake.
No matter far I put that behind,
those thoughts are still in my mind.
There's no solace for me to find.

The fire starts to crackle and pop.
It briefly makes the thoughts stop.
The fire is very dim.
I know my chances are slim.
So I have a choice.
To lie down and die with the fire.
Or to get up and raise my voice.
I choose to roll the dice.
I will not go gentle into this cold night.
I shall rage, rage against the dying firelight.