"1st September 1939" by W.H. Auden (read by Tom O'Bedlam)

On this day Hitler invaded Poland and WWII broke out. Thucydides was an honest historian, the originator of Political Realism which observes that the relationship between countries is based on strength and not which is in the right. His work is still studied in military academies.

[@VaudevilleSchtick101]

I remember that I read this poem shortly after 9/11 and how shocked I was that the feelings were the same then and now. Living in NYC during 11 September 2001, this poem speaks to the emotional devastation we were all feeling after the city was attacked. This one of the greatest poems of the 20th century.

[@marshhen]

Thank you for posting this I did not know this poem. Listening to this has transformed my morning. I am very grateful to you.

[@rcrasta25]

"Those to whom evil is done do evil in return." Apt.

[@davidgambill71]

This poem is pure genius, a great Spiritual Truth.

[@GuomaWovla]

Thank You

[@j.cordellsteinmetz9219]

Yes. And always.

[@multitopic1908]

Distressingly relevant. Someone ought to write the follow-up verse: "November 8th, 2016." I actually have done, I hope soon to release 'U.S. Redux' on Amazon kindle under the pen name Leo Arland.

[@sherlockholmeslives.1605]

I am just so glad that WH Auden's poetry is so good and that my poetry is so shit! I can dismiss myself as being a poet and concentrate on other areas of my abilities and knowledge, such as presentations and factual knowledge. William McGonagall is a far better poet than me! I am a very amateur artist but even as a poor artist I have more ability than in my poetry! Cheers - Mike.

[@kathleengoldhirsch8991]

So devastatingly appropriate to our present moment.

[@SpokenVerse]

I'm glad you're interested. Here's what an Oxford scholar said: 'The ancient pronunciation would actually be something like "Too-kü-deé-days." Which pronunciation would be "more accurate" would of course depend on usage. For example, in the conferences I've attended recently,the historian has consistently been referred to as "Thoo-síd-id-eez," rather than Thoo-kíd-id-eez."' Auden had a classical education. I used the pronunciation that seemed suit the line. Thanks for posting.

[@emilyscloset2648]

The poem has cause much comfort to me over the passing years since I first heard it read. It is glimmer of light where none usually holds residence

[@jamieburke2549]

Another beautiful poem! Does anyone know anything about this guy Tom O'Bedlam?

[@JyotiB70045]

If people ask my age, I always tell them, breakout of WW II and 3 months. Most of the younger people do not know, One undergraduate knew when I registered my first mobile."Political Realism which observes that the relationship between countries is based on strength and not which is in the right"As I am a German it is really great still observe the relationships between countries, based on strength and not which is the right. Thanks.

[@SpokenVerse]

@rodriguezricomanuel Me, Tom O'Bedlam - I read everything in this channel. I hope you'll listen to a few more.

[@mkl62]

Thanks for posting.

[@0pus]

I have translate this masterpiece in my language, every line make me crying: human beeing is a potential life's light, but we choose ever the evil - why still?

[@MrMacspaunday]

Greatest poem of the 20th century. Even better than the wasteland. It's so relevent to today, what a powerful piece of work!

[@mikefuller6959]

An absolutley stunning poem!!!

[@peterh1353]

Auden was the best all-round writer in the history of the English language.

[@ShanOakley]

I too, think so.

[@matthewgudikunst7908]

Such a beautiful poem. Sure it paints a bleak picture of the world, but it ends on a glimmer of hope for all of us.

[@ZechsMerquise73]

I prefer the line "we must love one another or die" to Auden's later 'correction' of "we must love one another and die".

[@Switch756]

My friend showed me this a few days ago, but I've been unable to keep it from my mind ever since. It's so beautiful, it makes me tear up every time.

[@STomo30]

This is the single most moving poem in my life so far... I leave it at that!

[@horatio59]

the best poem ever written ?

[@lifestandstillhere]

What a force he is, no? Thanks for this upload.

[@ShanOakley]

I am so in love.

[@rodriguezricomanuel]

who is reading this poem?

[@biffington]

considering the subject, it is a beautiful poem, and well read aswell.

[@TetraDisaster111]

Simply amazing, this poem sends chills down my spine! Thank you for sharing this gem with the world.

[@UnionKid15]

What a great poem.

[@uttarakhandi_vloger]

beautiful

[@nolliez]

One of my favourite poems. Thanks.

[@erosamuk]

perfection. i love you and thank you. peace.