As the poets have mournfully sung,
Death takes the innocent young,
The rolling-in-money,
The screamingly-funny,
And those who are very well hung.
— W. H. Auden
After vainly invoking the Muse,
A poet cried “Hell! What’s the use?
“There is more inspiration
“At Grand Central Station–
“I shall go there this moment and cruise.”
— W. H. Auden
A friend, who is not an ascetic,
Says: “Ireland, my dear, is magnetic!
“No snakes; lots of elves,
“Who just offer themselves–
“Rather small, but most sympathetic.”
— W. H. Auden
About Joe
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's.
My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces.
View all posts by Joe
As the poets have mournfully sung,
After vainly invoking the Muse,
A friend, who is not an ascetic,
Joe
The Closet Professor 
March 9th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Great picture selections to go with the poetry!
March 9th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
A great end to the day, Joe. Thanks, man. It just goes to show that you don't have to be well known (I'd never heard of Auden before today) to be a great writer of fine literature.Oh, and great choice of illustrations!Peace <3Jay
March 12th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Thanks, Jacob and Jay.