W.H Auden was born in York, England in 1907. He is considered by some to be one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. His work is filled with moral and political issues, and is noted for its style and variety of tone, form and content. He published over 400 hundred poems, over 400 essays and work on plays and documentary films in the 1930's. I found this poem by him and it hit me as a plea for me to awaken myself from the curse of not loving who I am. Auden asks me to reach into myself through the poetry of thought and reconnect to my freedom. The freedom to turn my life from chicken merda to chicken salad, by following my heart. My emotions guide me through this physical journey and I can make a fruit filled vineyard, out of the curse of feeling like an barren field, that yields nothing but distress.
I know the art of poetry is within all of us. The voice of healing is just a thought away. Releasing myself from my self created prison is my responsibility. By thinking the better thought I am able to write my poem of revival. I am able to praise myself and rejoice in the healing fountain of love. So it is written, so it is done.
Epilogue
Follow poet, follow right
To the bottom of the night.
With your unconstraining voice
Still persuade us to rejoice:
With the farming of a verse
Make a vineyard of the curse,
Sing of human unsuccess
In a rapture of distress;
In the deserts of the heart
Let the healing fountain start,
In the prison of his days
Teach the free man how to praise.
Wystan Hugh Auden
Hal Manogue is a poet and author of Short Sleeves A Book For Friends. Insightful thoughts for the 21st century. Hal's 2006 collection and 2007 collection are available in bookstores and online. Visit Hal's website: http://www.shortsleeves.net or blog: http://halmanogue.blogspot.com/ for more information about his work and life. Download a copy of the new E-Book,"Unite To Write" a collection of articles written by writers around the globe, that will inspire and fill you with useful information. It's value is priceless. It's Hal's gift to you.
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