Tell Me the Truth About Love

More about the book

Had he been writing now, Auden might have penned a poem titled "Tell me the Truth About Publishing," as this special collection was inspired by the success of the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, featuring one of his poems. Spanning from October 1932 to June 1948, the poems could have been more revealing if arranged chronologically; however, commercial demands place "Funeral Blues" at the end, while "Lullaby," arguably superior, is tucked inside. This period coincides with Auden's move to America in January 1939, and "Calypso" captures the rhythm of a train taking him to New York. Many poems exude a jolly air and were written as cabaret songs, with "At Last the Secret is Out" being tongue-in-cheek regarding Auden's sexuality, despite the heterosexual cover. This volume serves as a good introduction to Auden's work. "Funeral Blues" expresses disbelief at life continuing after loss, with a flippant yet poignant tone: "Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves." He juxtaposes grandiosity with the mundane, enveloping readers in profound love. "Lullaby" evokes the preciousness of a fleeting night with someone unattainable, leaving much unexplained yet drawing readers back: "Lay your sleeping head, my love, / Human on my faithless arm..." What an astonishing opener.