On learning and not forgetting
When they asked W.H. Auden if poetry can change
society he said no, can poetry change human nature,
No said W.H. Auden. But then what can the poems
do? Allow us to commune with the dead, said
W.H. Auden, remind us to enjoy life a bit or at least
endure it a bit better, keep us company for a while.
- Tua Forsström
translated from Finland-Swedish by David McDuff
