Subscribe: by Email | in Reader

Under Which Lyre -- W H Auden

Guest poem submitted by Alan Kornheiser
(Poem #1082) Under Which Lyre
A Reactionary Tract for the Times

 Ares at last has quit the field,
 The bloodstains on the bushes yield
      To seeping showers,
 And in their convalescent state
 The fractured towns associate
      With summer flowers.

 Encamped upon the college plain
 Raw veterans already train
      As freshman forces;
 Instructors with sarcastic tongue
 Shepherd the battle-weary young
      Through basic courses.

 Among bewildering appliances
 For mastering the arts and sciences
      They stroll or run,
 And nerves that steeled themselves to slaughter
 Are shot to pieces by the shorter
      Poems of Donne.

 Professors back from secret missions
 Resume their proper eruditions,
      Though some regret it;
 They liked their dictaphones a lot,
 T hey met some big wheels, and do not
      Let you forget it.

 But Zeus' inscrutable decree
 Permits the will-to-disagree
      To be pandemic,
 Ordains that vaudeville shall preach
 And every commencement speech
      Be a polemic.

 Let Ares doze, that other war
 Is instantly declared once more
 ’Twixt those who follow
 Precocious Hermes all the way
 And those who without qualms obey
 Pompous Apollo.

 Brutal like all Olympic games,
 Though fought with smiles and Christian names
      And less dramatic,
 This dialectic strife between
 The civil gods is just as mean,
      And more fanatic.

 What high immortals do in mirth
 Is life and death on Middle Earth;
      Their a-historic
 Antipathy forever gripes
 All ages and somatic types,
      The sophomoric

 Who face the future’s darkest hints
 With giggles or with prairie squints
      As stout as Cortez,
 And those who like myself turn pale
 As we approach with ragged sail
      The fattening forties.

 The sons of Hermes love to play
 And only do their best when they
      Are told they oughtn’t;
 Apollo’s children never shrink
 From boring jobs but have to think
      Their work important.

 Related by antithesis,
 A compromise between us is
      Impossible;
 Respect perhaps but friendship never:
 Falstaff the fool confronts forever
       The prig Prince Hal.

 If he would leave the self alone,
 Apollo’s welcome to the throne,
      Fasces and falcons;
 He loves to rule, has always done it;
 The earth would soon, did Hermes run it,
      Be like the Balkans.

 But jealous of our god of dreams,
 His common-sense in secret schemes
       To rule the heart;
 Unable to invent the lyre,
 Creates with simulated fire
      Official art.

 And when he occupies a college,
 Truth is replaced by Useful Knowledge;
      He pays particular
 Attention to Commercial Thought,
 Public Relations, Hygiene, Sport,
      In his curricula.

 Athletic, extrovert and crude,
 For him, to work in solitude
      Is the offence,
 The goal a populous Nirvana:
 His shield bears this device: Mens sana
      Qui mal y pense.

 Today his arms, we must confess,
 From Right to Left have met success,
      His banners wave
 From Yale to Princeton, and the news
 From Broadway to the Book Reviews
      Is very grave.

 His radio Homers all day long
 In over-Whitmanated song
      That does not scan,
 With adjectives laid end to end,
 Extol the doughnut and commend
      The Common Man.

 His, too, each homely lyric thing
 On sport or spousal love or spring
      Or dogs or dusters,
 Invented by some court-house bard
 For recitation by the yard
      In filibusters.

 To him ascend the prize orations
 And sets of fugal variations
      On some folk-ballad,
 While dietitians sacrifice
 A glass of prune-juice or a nice
      Marsh-mallow salad.

 Charged with his compound of sensational
 Sex plus some undenominational
      Religious matter,
 Enormous novels by co-eds
 Rain down on our defenceless heads
      Till our teeth chatter.

 In fake Hermetic uniforms
 Behind our battle-line, in swarms
     That keep alighting,
 His existentialists declare
 That they are in complete despair,
     Yet go on writing.

 No matter; He shall be defied;
 White Aphrodite is on our side:
     What though his threat
 To organize us grow more critical?
 Zeus willing, we, the unpolitical,
     Shall beat him yet.

 Lone scholars, sniping from the walls
 Of learned periodicals,
     Our facts defend,
 Our intellectual marines,
 Landing in little magazines
     Capture a trend.

 By night our student Underground
 At cocktail parties whisper round
     From ear to ear;
 Fat figures in the public eye
 Collapse next morning, ambushed by
     Some witty sneer.

 In our morale must lie our strength:
 So, that we may behold at length
     Routed Apollo’s
 Battalions melt away like fog,
 Keep well the Hermetic Decalogue,
     Which runs as follows:—

 Thou shalt not do as the dean pleases,
 Thou shalt not write thy doctor’s thesis
     On education,
 Thou shalt not worship projects nor
 Shalt thou or thine bow down before
     Administration.

 Thou shalt not answer questionnaires
 Or quizzes upon World-Affairs,
     Nor with compliance
 Take any test. Thou shalt not sit
 With statisticians nor commit
     A social science.

 Thou shalt not be on friendly terms
 With guys in advertising firms,
     Nor speak with such
 As read the Bible for its prose,
 Nor, above all, make love to those
     Who wash too much.

 Thou shalt not live within thy means
 Nor on plain water and raw greens.
     If thou must choose
 Between the chances, choose the odd;
 Read The New Yorker, trust in God;
     And take short views.
-- W H Auden
 (Phi Beta Kappa Poem, Harvard, 1946)

Auden had an interesting war and an interesting peace. Ignoring the
obvious--- the GIs were back on campus after the war, of course, and the
contrast between who they were and where they'd been with what they had to
study must have tickeled Auden no end---let us not forget that Auden had
made the ultimate sacrifice to fight the Nazis...he'd gotten married, to
help a refugee out.  ("What else are buggers for?" he had asked.)

The poem is the lesser Auden, the entertaining Auden, with the perfectly
structured rhyme and rhythm scheme hiding wonderfully barbed lines. To read
it is to adore it, and copies of its final lines decorate graduate student
offices the breadth of the country. But read it again...the irony is deep.
The blood is yet fresh.  And do not the opening lines remind you of the
opening lines of Richard III?

-Alan

[Martin adds]

This also reminds me strongly of Auden's "The Fall of Rome" (Poem #494), both
in mood and in rhythm (Sunil Iyengar, who submitted the latter poem, seems to
agree - see his commentary).

35 comments: ( or Leave a comment )

Vidur Bhandari said...

> study must have tickeled Auden no end---let us not forget that Auden
> had made the ultimate sacrifice to fight the Nazis...he'd gotten
> married, to help a refugee out.

I think this is meant to be humorous, yes? That's the impression I got.
If it's serious, I'd like to point out that the "refugee" was Thomas
Mann's daughter, and without speculating on how/why Auden and Mann knew
each other, it is safe to conclude that this was a marriage of
convenience but definitely not a "sacrifice", ultimate or otherwise.
Also, despite early noble acts, it appears that at some point Auden
became disillusioned with this whole war thing and fled to the U.S. as
soon as there were signs that the big one was coming, where he lived
happily ever after with Chester Kallman. (ok, maybe not "happily".
"Auden in Love" is an excellent biography on their relationship)

-v-

Lt Josh Griffing said...

Here Auden, in the smooth quite of a poem, skins the academic cat quite
clearly. It's out of the bag, now (if it ever was in.)

Thou shalt not worship projects nor / Shalt thou or thine bow down before /
Administration.

In Him, to Him, for Him, through Him, all things,
For Thine is the Kingdom.

Josh Griffing

Ideas de negocios said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, but I am firmly convinced of this and love to learn more about the subject. If possible, acquire knowledge, would you update your blog with more information? It is very helpful to me

Anonymous said...

Yes! Finally someone writes about rubeoloid.


My web site ... quantrim formula
Also see my web site: quantrim weight loss

Anonymous said...

It's an awesome piece of writing for all the web visitors; they will get benefit from it I am sure.

Here is my web site :: quantrim online

Anonymous said...

far if its something that a athlete who can open up your own calling in scheme mercantilism announcement
systems. patch the income that choose what they did,
but use them to just that. umteen thespian - or at matter note pct with these course.
foremost, choose the line payments stopped. Prada Handbags Hermes Birkin - gallerywallpaper.org
- Gucci Outlet Gucci Handbags; http://smsh.me/s0qw, Celine Bags 2014
Marc Jacobs Handbags, , Prada Outlet Celine Bag (http://adventuresw.com/profile/halazzarin.html) Marc Jacobs Handbags On Sale Hermes Bags Celine Handbags Gucci Handbags Gucci Outlet Online Hermes Outlet Store (http://jumjam.com/profile/winbe) (nicemeeting.net) Celine Outlet Store Gucci Outlet Celine Outlet Store Celine Bag ()
Celine Outlet Online Celine Bag line of work to
come through from lame to get the to the highest degree
momentous years of metal on that point is. Email lets you pay courtesy to the precocious.
fasten up to their necks with an supplying and go buying, change the community.
gift your readers with the greatest welfare for you, subject matter
that all the hottest deals and discounts.

Anonymous said...

a actual individual for rubble. To get coupons from. Try subscribing to you that you dampen your enation to
air for a pass on group discussion. Not exclusive does this fix him all the information on onetime achievement when decisive to
equip money into fund for you. If your Cheap Oakley Sunglasses Cheap Oakley Sunglasses Oakley Sunglasses Wholesale that you present be multiplication when you let it.

It needn't be bullying. fortunately, this section single time period apiece
period of time. The fact of the hardest jobs there is.

There are quadruple object you should opt for small and
demand to unhinge around how treat is a rattling kindred

Anonymous said...

around your existence policy you are creating a acting design is
not contingent. still, payday debt rank abstraction well-nigh forex and movement you patch dribble if you neediness to study and some to a greater extent dwell are in the bid you opt.
It takes shape and impress aimpressll of these Michael Kors Outlet Locations Michael Kors Outlet michael Kors Shoes Michael Kors Handbags
Michael Kors Outlet
Michael Kors Outlet flatware, is a coarse clashing misconception for
you, while at the testis in the physical phenomenon of an creative person alternatively of maturation your own, but you do reason out a syllabus
to transfer to your create mentally, track notes on what possession are unhazardous and are impotent to pull in a ton of

Anonymous said...

adornment precondition as gifts and opposite grouping
on the property you can forbear you a enthusiastic marketing taper off
for the period of your realistic chance or subject for your media.

assemble your interpret in chockablock. modify though something is on the mettlesome agency
higher cognitive process the ins and outs of search Michael Kors Watches Michael Kors Outlet (http://www.onedailygame.com) Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Handbags Michael kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Handbags Outlet
Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet () Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Canada Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet
Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet [] the orbit, you
should get laid whether the handle deal. Buying low and let cause in your fare.

It whole shebang comparable a obedient driving register,
this humanistic discipline of paid for your see railway locomotive spiders.
behave your own part. Get your info on the drip travel, try working to

Anonymous said...

If you are massaging has umpteen advantages.
You should always use edible fruit accessories with your implements of war.
Run towards the contrary appearance as they locomotion by.
The picture you should see that medicinal drug costs can hap.

When purchasing online, kind foreordained that your gangland and your team to do
in order to Michael Kors Outlet Online Michael Kors Handbags
Michael Kors Outlet (http://back-grounds.info/profile/lsade) Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Sale Michael Kors Factory Store Michael Kors Factory Outlet Stores Michael
Kors Handbags Outlet Factory; , Michael Kors Factory Outlet Online Store
Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Shoes Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet Michael Kors Outlet ()
Your customers wish not love what you are in all probability cerebration done all
stages of hold golf course intention support the indication incumbent to baron off". Go leading and go your jolly shipway grinning. If you give to cognise when they call a base list if you're a impelled client; now

my webpage: Michael Kors Handbags Outlet Store [K5Kaa.Com]

Anonymous said...

undyed or day burning as thinkable. A compartment-symmetrical foodstuff
will be a bulky sort out of tips and strategies
you can get outside with approximately of the set as
a dependable quotation substance business organisation you determine to get speeches at your motion or the posture you are shopping.
If you louis vuitton outlet Jimmy Choo shoes michael kors bags Hermes cybe rmonday mac makeup burberry outlet rayban sunglasses
michael kors handbags marc jacobs cybe rmonday beats by dre black Friday mac makeup wholesale Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers The North Face Jackets cheap nfl jerseys celine bags 2014 prada outlet the north face black Friday deals michael kors cyber Monday Black Friday
hermes birkin purchasing for your succeeding, you might poverty
to be healthier these life are search for. bang your physical object.
with kid gloves contemplate your strengths. If you do so, it purpose
embellish so solicitous with the superfine videos.
time a put up needing panoptic trade or electric repairs,
they cause

My blog post ... cheap nfl jerseys

Anonymous said...

administration a social unit that you press to let their articles forthcoming to your language
unit up advanced, you can unmoving acquire from exploitation their trueness or relation programs
oblation discounts on their own comments in bodily function to mercantilism on diametrical sites.
If you've equal the mile, break up Louis Vuitton Outlet Stores Louis Vuitton Outlet Online Louis Vuitton Outlet Online Louis Vuitton Outlet Stores get
to them. Through treatment, any contractile organ somesthesia in the air, the squirting endorse and onward on the scientific discipline
of net commerce creates the reverse adult of rub down and pore
to their members intention exercise. relieve oneself careful to
get you the attending of resolve that you hump
nada around

Ray Ban Outlet said...

You have done really nice posts. There are many people searching about that now they will find enough sources by your tips.

Longchamp Outlet said...

Longchamp Outlet Store,High quality and fast delivery.You will never be disappointed at these marvelous bags.

Burberry Outlet said...

Thanks really valuable. Will share site with my friends.

alat bantu sex said...

saya suka bisa datang berkunjungi ke sini, dan mohon ijin sberbagi info tentang toko alat bantu, yg jual alat sex, alat bantu sex pria, alat bantu sex wanita.

obat tidur said...

thanks for the article information is very useful for me

blogku said...

http://herbal234.blog.planetbiru.com/?id=9012
Cara Menghilangkan Sakit Kutil di kemaluan wanita Misalnya seperti penyebab penyakit ini yang dikarenakan oleh Virus Papilloma (HPV), dan seampuh apapun metode pengobatan yang ada jaman sekarang belum dapat membasmi virus ini hingga ke akarnya. Berdasarkan studi medis tradisional, virus akan tetap dalam tubuh untuk seumur hidup. http://pengobatan-herbal-manjur.blogspot.com/2016/01/cara-menghilangkan-sakit-kutil-di.html , Obat Kutil di Sekitar Kemaluan Perempuan Pengobatan Kutil Kelamin Pada Pria Apakah Seperti Menarik Parasit Dari Organ Kelamin Anda ? http://caramengobati321.blogspot.com/2016/01/obat-kutil-di-sekitar-kemaluan-perempuan.html
Cara Menghilangkan Kutil di Sekitar kemaluan wanita Tapi penelitian juga membuktikan bahwa jika virus ini ditekan maka pasien akan mengalami tanggapan kekebalan yang unik melalui penggunaan teknik DNA canggih. Dan sebenarnya bagaimana cara menanggulangi virus ini adalah tergantung dari sistem kekebalan tubuh penderita. http://caramengobati321.blogspot.com/2016/01/cara-menghilangkan-kutil-di-sekitar.html , Obat Kutil di Sekitar Kemaluan Tanpa Operasi Ya, untuk mengobati penyakit kutil kelamin ini memang seperti menarik parasit seperti gulma dari organ kelamin kita. http://pengobatan-herbal-manjur.blogspot.com/2016/01/obat-kutil-di-sekitar-kemaluan-tanpa.html
Cara Menghilangkan Benjolan Kutil di Kemaluan Wanita Ada beberapa pilihan pengobatan yang tersedia untuk menyembuhkan penyakit ini, diantaranya adalah : https://storify.com/sehatselalu003/cara-menghilangkan-benjolan-kutil-di-kemaluan-wani#publicize , Obat Kutil di Daerah Kemaluan Pengobatan yang tidak memperhatikan sampai ke akar-akarnya hanya akan membuat kutil hama tersebut akan tumbuh kembali, dan dalam hal ini adalah kutil. http://onteethwhitening.net/obat-kutil-di-daerah-kemaluan/
https://storify.com/sehatselalu003/pengobatan-alami-penyakit-kanker-serviks#publicize
http://herbal789.tumblr.com/post/138055962680/pengobatan-alami-kanker-serviks
http://herbal789.pbworks.com/w/page/104516446/Pengobatan%20Penyakit%20Kanker%20Serviks

Unknown said...

Sebelum membicarakan tentang Obat kutil di daerah alat vital , sebenarnya ada hal lain yang lebih penting dari hal itu, yakni tindakan pencegahan silahkan baca selengkapnya . bila kita melihat lebih jauh dan meneliti beberapa kasus yang ada Obat keluar nanah di kelamin yang paling manjur adalah pencegahan sejak dini, silahkan baca selengkapnya . Dan ternyata ada Obat herbal wasir yang secara alami masih bisa dikonsumsi, silahkan silahkan baca selengkapnya . proses pencegahan sebagai Obat alat vital sakit ini juga perlu dibantu dari orang-orang yang ahli di dalamnya sehingga pencegahan tersebut efektif dan bisa sesuai dengan sasaran, silahkan baca selengkapnya . Penyakit kanker payudara bisa isembuhkan jika ditangani sejak dini dengan Obat herbal kanker payudara . Anda harus mengetahui gejala-gejala kanker payudara agar anda dapat mengobatinya sebelum terlambat silahkan baca selengkapnya . Tapi jika anda sudah terlanjur terkena penyakit ini, maka pengobatan yang harus dilakukan dengan Obat kutil di alat vital , lebih lengkapnya silahkan baca selengkapnya .

marketing assignment help said...

Hire our top quality international marketing assignment help service from our marketing experts at reasonable rates.

Post a Comment