Last night I read a poem here by W. H. Auden. I wanted to read this one, but all the readings I’ve seen online seem to pale compared to this scene. Thanks to my friend David M. for pointing this out to me a few years back. I still have to see this movie.
I just learned last night that Auden wrote this poem as part of show that was to be a satire. That’s one of the glories of poetry; it can be more than just one thing, like a diamond held before different eyes in different light. As read in this movie, this poem turns the satire on its head as it becomes a declaration of love that the town wanted deny.
David J. Bauman 
Never seen it, thanks ~Sincerely Deborah
LikeLike
Well, if we were across town, I’d say we should see it together. Let’s see it separately, take notes and compare later. 🙂
LikeLike
that’s so kind~ we should try to! Blessings ~Deb
LikeLike
You’re funny! Definitely a difficult commute 🙂
LikeLike
Your comment about a diamond – i similarly compare poetry reading to a kaleidoscope where the pieces inside remain the same but the pattern changes with each turn of the lens. Brilliant again!
LikeLike
aw, thanks!
LikeLike
Oh, I am falling behind in my viewing of these treasures! Thanks for this. It was such a long time ago that I saw the movie that I’d completely forgotten about this wrenching and gorgeous reading of Auden’s poem.
LikeLike
Yeah, it gets to me every time.
LikeLike
Argghh! I love this scene and the video won’t play on my netbook. I’ll have to check you again tomorrow.
It’s a good film. There was a lot of debate when it came out – not about the depiction of a gay relationship, but about whether Andie McDowell’s character was a brave and independent woman or a slapper, for counting and sharing the number of sexual partners she’d had. You’ve got to love the media for focusing on the things that matter…
LikeLike