Last comment on Auden

I wanted to reiterate this one point that I've already made in one of my last posts about the inevitability of the passing of time. I see "As I walked Out One Evening" a confirmation of that sentiment. The poem is told from the perspective of the person who addresses his loved one and yet the message seems to be more universal than what a generic romantic poem usually produces.

After the author affirms his love in the fifth stanza, the poem takes a turn. "But all the clocks in the city began to chime...You cannot conquer Time."(line 24). It's worth noting that not only is there a clear distinction between the first part and the second part of the poem, but the capitalization of the word "time" gives the concept an almost omnipotent stance. Time cannot be conquered and for all our efforts, it moves our lives on.

And yet, despite the fact that time is the primary cause of our aging (And wonder what you've missed" line 40) and our demise, the author affirms the view that life "remains a blessing" despite our helplessness in trying to slow down. "The deep river runs on" and everything continues in conformity with time's passing, but I believe Auden is making our mortality into something much more special. In his view, as I read it, not being omnipotent as time is, is what makes life special; otherwise being stuck in a changeless state (independent of time) life soon begins to lose it appeal.