Howard Nemerov, "The Loon's Cry"

"... For signatures
In all things are, which leave us not alone
Even in the thought of death, and may by arts
Contemplative be found and named again."

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

"Letters From Iceland" by W.H. Auden & Cecil Day Lewis

"Isn't it true however far we've wandered into our provinces of persecution, where our regrets accuse, we keep returning back to the common faith from which we've all dissented, back to the hands, the feet, the faces? Children are always there and take the hands, even when they are most terrified. Those in love cannot make up their minds to go or stay. Artist and doctor return most often. Only the mad will never, never come back. For doctors keep on worrying while away, in case their skill is suffering or deserted. Lovers have lived so long with giants and elves, they want belief again in their own size. And the artist prays ever so gently, let me find pure all that can happen. Only uniqueness is success. For instance let me perceive the images of history. All that I push away with doubt and travel, today's and yesterdays alike, like bodies."

"Letters From Iceland" by W.H. Auden and Cecil Day Lewis.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

what chapter is this in?

The Speaker News Journal said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Speaker News Journal said...

Letter to hms crossman