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S3E3: "Roman Wall Blues" by W. H. Auden

S3E3: "Roman Wall Blues" by W. H. Auden

FromThe Well Read Poem


S3E3: "Roman Wall Blues" by W. H. Auden

FromThe Well Read Poem

ratings:
Length:
11 minutes
Released:
May 24, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

Welcome to Season 3 of The Well Read Poem podcast. In this third season we will explore six lyric poems by the great English modernist W. H. Auden. The study of Auden’s poetry is in many respects a study of the 20th Century itself, and of its religious, philosophical, and political concerns.  Auden was one of the great chroniclers of the so-called “Age of Anxiety,” a term he coined, and a brilliant and sympathetic analyst of modern man’s fears and hopes, beliefs and unbeliefs. Poem begins at timestamp 8:51. Roman Wall Blues by W. H. Auden   Over the heather the wet wind blows,  I've lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose.    The rain comes pattering out of the sky,  I'm a Wall soldier, I don't know why.    The mist creeps over the hard grey stone,  My girl's in Tungria; I sleep alone.    Aulus goes hanging around her place,  I don't like his manners, I don't like his face.    Piso's a Christian, he worships a fish;  There'd be no kissing if he had his wish.    She gave me a ring but I diced it away;  I want my girl and I want my pay.    When I'm a veteran with only one eye  I shall do nothing but look at the sky.
Released:
May 24, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (90)

Because reading is interpretation, The Well Read Poem aims to teach you how to read with understanding! Hosted by poet Thomas Banks of The House of Humane Letters, these short episodes will introduce you to both well-known and obscure poets and will focus on daily recitation, historical and intellectual background, elements of poetry, light explication, and more! Play this podcast daily and practice reciting! The next week, get a new poem. Grow in your understanding and love of poetry by learning how to read well! Brought to you by The Literary Life Podcast.