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While I was mute, I became a better listener. But mainly I appreciated wonderful things that could be said. I still read the Dylan Thomas poem "Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" every night before I go onstage. I know it by heart now. In the last lines I see a tribute to my father, who's still with us: "And you, my father, there on the sad height,/ Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray." --As told to Kate Novack