September 1, 2007

The question of how to write poetry that sustains has to be more than one of rhythm, intellect, and image; craft alone does not make credible.

Auden's poem "September 1, 1939" is historical, with one line beyond time. How can "We must love one another or die"--all one, two syllable words--all household words-- be so true? How can a dichotomy work so well? (To kick against it is to kick against a crown of thorns.)