101 Poems, Number 79

Favorite Poems Throughout My Life

79: “Funeral Blues,” 1938, by W. H. Auden (1907–73)

A film first introduced to me

This splendid work of poetry.

Four Weddings?* Yes, I can recall

That day I knew I’d learn it all.

I used to show my class the clip—

The recitation. (Here’s a tip:

On YouTube** you can see it now—

Just watch it, hear it—weep—and how!)

I memorized it—fairly fast.

Such words, I’ve learned, will really last.

I mumble them throughout the week—

And do not cheat—don’t take a peek

At what the poet, Auden, wrote. 

Well, every time a tightened throat.

Oh yes, he found the pain the grief—

And words can sometimes bring relief.

*Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994

** Link to film clip.

Link to poem.