Did your English toughness lead you to reject
the ancient discontents of history,
to rather seek modern realms of ethical choice, Wystan?
There were no streets named after you,
nor monuments sculpted in the parks,
nothing that would say more than your words.
Words read and pondered in ritual
to better grasp the gruel and poverty of my own.
You talk in my sleep, Professor,
staring back at all that I am not,
teaching that art is born of humiliation.
Did the shaving mirror stare as cruelly?
The task is in the present moment,
Auden's poetry civilly requests a comment.
A contest entry
- For Pamela Lamppa, to cheer her up by ecrivain01.
550 points, ended September 11, 17 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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It is so sad that so many great words remain staring back at nothing more than another page or binary bit unrecognised for their strength and value. I wonder just how many wonderful pieces of literature will remain as hidden as their writers, never to be mentioned as one of the 'greats'. Love the strength of your own works as ever which stands as a wonderful tribute to your previous mentor... Well done!
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Auden was my mentor
Had the pleasure of studying under him in college long, long ago. I absolutely marvel at his words. Do you know these, written upon the death of his life-long partner?
"The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good."
--- W H Auden
Brian
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I like your tone of voice in this poem. its very wise and knowing. this whole piece is lovley. well done!
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Intriguing subject ...
and Pamela seems to like it.
Thanks for entering.
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Ahh this is a treasure and a prompt for me to go back to the works of Auden that I studied in college and read from a more mature perspective. Thank you for this. You hit the spot for me.
I enjoyed this very much. ~Pamela 
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Yippee!
I very much debated with myself, if this poem would bring your cheer, Pamela ... almost convincing myself to post it in another venue. Now, having read this response from you, I'm elated that I brought it to your contest. :-)
Brian
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Wow, when I read this I feel a bit like the wedding guest seized by the lapels by the ancient mariner. I don't know what it means but it's obviously big stuff! I'm going to have to ponder the questions awhile before I could offer any answers.
But are you sure you're asking the right bloke? I wouldn't mind being a Professor, but alas am not.
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