FROM THE ARCHIVE 15th January 2013
I was rather amused the other day to read this quote by the poet W.H. Auden:
“We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea.”
Auden’s poetry certainly does me good. However, if I never hear Funeral Blues (Stop All the Clocks) again—the poem read by John Hannah in Four Weddings and a Funeral—it will be too soon! Read it, yes. Hear it at funerals, no! A friend of mine, an actor and Anglican priest (a rather marvellous combination and a rather marvellous friend), says there has been no lessening in the number of funerals using Funeral Blues or, for that matter, Robbie Williams’ Angels. No comment!
The Auden I love above all else is Night Mail. Predictable of me? Perhaps. Give yourself a treat and…
Source: W. H. Auden Says It Best!
First Night Design 
Reblogged this on newauthoronline and commented:
I enjoy much of Auden’s poetry. Among my favourites are “The Shield Of Achilles” and “O Where Are You Going?”. Kevin
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Avery clever Auden quote and unfortunately quite true since we get to see what the ‘Others’ are here for when we look at terrorists, Government and the Tax Man.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Indeed, David. Hugs!
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Good morning, Sarah….love the quote…made me smile. I also understand your sentiments re funeral readings and music:) Keep smiling my friend. Janet. x
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Happy to have made you smile, Janet. Welcome home! xx
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Thank you, Sarah:)xx
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I remember the vintage film of ‘Night Mail.’ The poem read at the speed of the train going over the tracks, as sorters worked inside the carriage. Wonderful stuff.
Like you, I lament the overuse of certain themes at funerals. At my Mum’s funeral, I said this, from memory.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/eulogy-for-an-ordinary-woman/
I managed it almost to the last word, and was fortunately saved by the strains of Glen Miller.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That was a magical film and a lot better than when John Hurt did it in our time. I have just commented on your moving eulogy for your mum. Have a lovely week, Pete.
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Email will never replace waiting for an actual letter from someone’s hand…to just you, not the world. A more personal and thoughtful time. (K)
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Never! How I miss that gentler, more caring world.
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Great quote…Oh, indeed. I went to a funeral where the song was ‘I can be your hero, baby’. Perhaps it’s me but…
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It’s not just you. Mind you, my mother wanted (and I gave her) Judy Garland singing ‘Get Happy’. But that’s different to something released in the last twenty or thirty years somehow.
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Great quote. I love that kind of dry wit. 🙂
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Ditto!
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excellent!
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It sure is!
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It’s one of my favorite Auden quotes. Hope you’re doing well. I’m on a bit of time-out.
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It is a beauteous quote, isn’t it. Enjoy your time out, Cynthia.
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“Angels” is used at funerals? I wonder if it has replaced “in my life”?
If you like the Robbie Williams song you might like this cover of “Angels” by Patrizo Buanne:
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I quite like it but I can’t say it’s a permanent favourite. I’ll listen to Patrizo Buanne’s cover when I’m not running out of bandwidth! Thanks for dropping by, Robert.
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thanks for sharing!
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I like the quote it makes you think!
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It does an’ all!
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