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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
LETTER (2), by WYSTAN HUGH AUDEN Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: From the very first coming down
Last Line: Always afraid to say more than it meant
Alternate Author Name(s): Auden, W. H.
Variant Title(s): From The Very First Coming Dow
First Line: From the very first coming down
Last Line: Always afraid to say more than it meant
Alternate Author Name(s): Auden, W. H.
Variant Title(s): From The Very First Coming Dow
From the very first coming down
Into a new valley with a frown
Because of the sun and a lost wav,
You certainly remained: today
I, crouching behind a sheep-pen, heard
Travel across a sudden bird,
Cry out against the storm, and found
The year s arc a completed round
And love's worn circuit re-begun,
Endless with no dissenting turn.
Shall see, shall pass, as we have seen
The swallow on the tile, spring's green
Preliminary shiver, passed
A solitary truck, the last
Of shunting in the Autumn. But now
To interrupt the homely brow,
Thought warmed to evening through and through
Your letter comes, speaking as you,
Speaking of much but not to come.
Nor speech is close nor fingers numb.
If love not seldom has received
An unjust answer, was deceived.
I, decent with the seasons, move
Different or with a different love,
Nor question overmuch the nod,
The stone smile of this country god
That never was more reticent.
Always afraid to say more than it meant.
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