Notes About The Poem

 

Written about photos of W H Auden.

Link to adult picture referred to:

https://www.biography.com/writer/wh-auden

]

Photographs of Wystan

Above: Wystan in fancy dress
as a beetle -1912


Photographs of Wystan

One of the world's
greatest poets
in a pose, similar
to an Anne Gedde's baby
 
Balancing beetle antennae
his head at an angle
a satin suit padded to
emulate the chest
of  a beetle's,
Spare legs of black velvet
dangling while
he stands upright
feet together, his
expression, militant
Certain in this moment
of his current
resemblance to
a beetle
 
At five years old,
to think he held
potential for such poetry
 

A black and white photo,
frontspiece for "The Life of a Poet"
It appears to have been
snapped just before an
exhalation of his cigarrette.
 
At 65
his face is wrinkled
eye bags reminiscent of
a sharpei puppy
but it is the forehead
that so amazes
with grids as square as graphic paper
as if the poetry
had been mapped out
on his face
I've seen mud, cracking
like that, on  a dried up river bed
 
His fingers are  long, chiselled
and in relaxed contact
with that cigarette as
he holds back a chuckle
with the smoke
 
His air is of  a casual formality- a waistcoat
teamed with with a plaid sports coat
 
In retrospect, here, he had
reached his full potential
I wonder if someone
uttered at his funeral
"Stop all the clocks."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
October 4, 2021 at 6:10 AM
It is interesting looking at children and wondering about who they will become. Certainly looking back at a photo like this and knowing what has transpired adds interest to their story. I like how you did this piece. ;0)
Fenn Avatar
August 12, 2021 at 3:44 PM
Cool take on Auden and this photo of him! I like your comparison if him and an Anne Geddes baby.
Fenn Avatar
August 12, 2021 at 3:43 PM
Cool take on Auden and this photo of him! I like your comparison if him and an Anne Geddes baby.
Beckman  Avatar
August 2, 2021 at 6:18 PM
Beautiful work!
Cornish Avatar
July 1, 2021 at 9:06 AM
Artful verse Suzanne - the wonder that poetry is supposed to incite!
Delaney Avatar
July 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Thanks so much Craig: Always an honor to have you visit. SuZ
Dietrich Avatar
June 9, 2021 at 7:28 PM
absolutely the best thing i read all night. Bravo. FAVE
Delaney Avatar
June 12, 2021 at 4:56 AM
Thanks so much Andrea: once when I had more time I would read and discover quirky things…one day soon I hope to do it again. Best, SuZ
Alex Avatar
June 6, 2021 at 2:35 PM
Such a Beautiful Work. Geat!
Amadore Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 8:42 AM
An interesting photo that adds to the store of impressions we have of Auden and of his life and times. His was, perhaps, a difficult yet self-determined life and he expressed much of his anger, his frustration, his euphoria and his disappointment and occasional sorrow and scorn in his poetry. You remind us of that here. Thank you.
Delaney Avatar
June 5, 2021 at 1:27 PM
Hi Leo: Thanks for your interesting comment. He certainly had some memorable poems. SuZ
Rose  Avatar
June 4, 2021 at 5:57 PM
I always found it so endearing to see young children dress up, Anne Gedde's is one I admire greatly, Love this unique photo you have chosen. Thank you for sharing Suzanne.
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