The wisdom of W. H. Auden

Richard Subber
Aug 27, 2017 · 2 min read

Poetry all over the place…

Probably you’ve heard of Wystan Hugh (W. H.) Auden (1907–1973), a renowned English poet who became an American citizen and wrote poetry all over the place. Not my favorite poetry, by the way, just sayin’….

Auden was capable of disarming candor and he was willing to look in the mirror while his pen was moving:

“No poet or novelist wishes he were the only one who ever lived, but most of them wish they were the only one alive, and quite a number fondly believe their wish has been granted.”

If you’re a poet or a novelist, try saying it ain’t so.

I’m a poet.

I’ll try again.

Auden quote from The Dyer’s Hand (Vintage, 1962, 1989), his collection of prose commentary on poetry, art and life, as cited in The Best American Poetry 2008, Scribner Poetry, New York, 2008, xiii.

* * * * * *

Can you write with cold fingers?

The art of Marjorie Saiser…(a poem)

click here

Copyright © Richard Carl Subber 2017 All rights reserved.

My first book of poems, Writing Rainbows: Poems for Grown-Ups with 59 new poems, is for sale on Amazon (paperback and Kindle), or free in Kindle Unlimited, click here

On this website you can read: my poetry in free verse and 5–7–5 format — nature poems, love poems, poems about grandchildren, and a spectrum of other topics — written in a way that makes it possible for you to know, as precisely as possible, what’s going on in my mind and in my imagination; thoughtful book reviews that offer some exceptional critique of the book instead of a simple book summary; examinations of history that did and didn’t happen; examples of my love affair with words; reflections on the quotations, art, and wisdom of famous and not-so-famous people, and occasional comments on politics and human nature.

Your comments on my poems, book reviews and other posts are welcome.

St. Ives, another look…

Less than meets the eye

(a book review)

click here

* * * * * *


Originally published at Richard Subber.

)
Richard Subber

Written by

I am a poet, a thinker. My two poetry books, Writing Rainbows and Seeing far, available on Amazon. Check my website: http://richardsubber.com/

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade