As I walked out one Evening(1938).

The poem you've mentioned is the opening stanza of "As

I Walked Out One Evening" by W.H. Auden. It is a
romantic and reflective poem that explores themes of
love, time, and the transience of life. Let's break down the
stanza and provide some context to help understand its
meaning.

The speaker starts by describing their evening stroll,

walking along Bristol Street. Bristol Street refers to a
specific location, but it can also be seen as a metaphorical
representation of the world or life's journey.

The second line presents an intriguing image: "The

crowds upon the pavement were fields of harvest wheat."
Here, Auden employs a simile to compare the crowds of
people on the street to fields of wheat ready for harvest.
This metaphorical depiction creates a sense of abundance,
fertility, and potential. The imagery suggests that the
people in the crowd are vibrant and full of life, like a ripe
harvest waiting to be gathered.
Now, let's delve into the context to shed more light on the
poem. "As I Walked Out One Evening" was written in the
1930s during a period of social and political turbulence.
Auden was known for his engagement with contemporary
issues and the exploration of love and the human
condition. This particular poem is often interpreted as a
reflection on the passing of time and the contrast between
the eternal nature of love and the fleeting nature of human
existence.

The subsequent lines of the poem continue this

exploration of time and love. The speaker encounters a
lover who warns them about the transitory nature of love
and life. The dialogue between the speaker and the lover
unfolds, leading to a contemplation on the relentless
passage of time and the inevitability of death.

In summary, the opening stanza of "As I Walked Out One

Evening" sets the stage for a reflective and philosophical
exploration of love, time, and mortality. The metaphorical
comparison of the crowds on Bristol Street to fields of
harvest wheat portrays a vibrant and abundant world.
However, as the poem progresses, it delves deeper into
the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of human
experiences.

The speaker walks down Bristol Street in the evening,

heading towards the river. The streets are crowded and he
hears a lover singing beneath a bridge. The lover tells his
beloved that he will love her forever. He says he will love
her until the ocean dries up, stars squawk like geese, and
the rivers and mountains meet. He takes it a step further
and tells her that their love will outlast time. At this, the
clocks in the city take offense. They retort that the
humans will never be able to outrun time. Eventually their
youth and their love will give way to death. When the
clocks are done with their speech, the lovers have
disappeared into the night.

2
The lover's song expresses the idea that love is eternal and
does not have an ending. This statement reflects the
idealistic nature of love, emphasizing its ability to
transcend the limitations of time and mortality. It suggests
that love is a powerful force that can endure beyond the
boundaries of human existence.
The juxtaposition of the railway arch, which represents
the passage of time, with the lover's song about love's
infinite nature creates a contrast. It highlights the tension
between the fleeting nature of human life and the timeless
quality of love.

3
Overall, this stanza emphasizes the depth and endurance
of the speaker's love. By employing fantastical and
unlikely scenarios, Auden heightens the sense of the
speaker's commitment, suggesting that their love will
continue regardless of the seemingly impossible
circumstances.
4
In these lines, the speaker expresses the depth and eternal
nature of their love. They proclaim that their love will
endure until the unimaginable happens: the ocean, vast
and ever-changing, is "folded and hung up to dry." This
metaphor suggests an impossible event, implying that the
speaker's love will never diminish or cease.
5
"The years shall run like rabbits": This line suggests that
time will pass swiftly, much like rabbits running and
disappearing quickly. It implies that the speaker perceives
time as something that rushes by, emphasizing its fleeting
nature.

"For in my arms I hold the Flower of the Ages": Here, the

speaker refers to their lover or beloved as the "Flower of
the Ages." This phrase symbolizes the essence of beauty,
youth, and vitality, representing the timeless appeal of
love. By holding their beloved in their arms, the speaker
experiences a sense of timeless joy and fulfillment.

"And the first love of the world": This line further

emphasizes the significance of the speaker's beloved. It
suggests that their love is not only personal but also
representative of the archetypal or primal love that exists
universally. It implies that their love is pure, innocent, and
carries the weight of the world's first expressions of
affection.
6
In these lines, the poet warns against the illusion of being
able to conquer or control time. He advises against
deceiving oneself into thinking that time can be
conquered or manipulated. Time is an unstoppable force
that affects everyone and everything, regardless of their
desires or efforts to control it. It serves as a reminder of
the transience and fragility of human existence.
7
This stanza is from the poem "As I Walked Out One
Evening" by W.H. Auden, published in 1938. It presents a
vivid and somewhat haunting image that reflects on the
nature of justice and the passage of time.

The line "In the burrows of the Nightmare" suggests a

dark and foreboding place, possibly a metaphorical
representation of the human condition or the darker
aspects of society. It conveys a sense of fear or unease,
evoking an atmosphere of distress and discomfort.

"When Justice naked is" suggests that justice is exposed

and vulnerable. It implies that in this dark place, justice is
stripped of its usual protection or righteousness. It could
be interpreted as a comment on the lack of fairness or the
corruption that can be found in society.

"Time watches from the shadow" signifies the presence of

time, which is a recurring theme in the poem. Time is
depicted as a silent observer, lurking in the background,
and keenly aware of what transpires. Time, as an ever-
present force, has the ability to shape and influence
events, even those related to justice.

"And coughs when you would kiss" introduces an element

of disruption or interruption. The act of kissing is often
associated with affection, tenderness, or intimacy.
However, the coughing indicates an interruption or
disturbance at a moment when one seeks connection or
closeness. This line can be seen as a reminder that time
has the power to intrude upon or disrupt moments of
happiness or affection, highlighting the fleeting nature of
such experiences.

Overall, this stanza suggests a sense of darkness,

vulnerability, and the inevitable passage of time. It raises
questions about justice, its precariousness, and the
transient nature of human connections. The imagery used
by Auden creates a haunting and thought-provoking
atmosphere, inviting the reader to reflect on the
complexities of life and the fleeting nature of certain
experiences.
8

This stanza conveys a profound message about the nature

of life and the power of self-reflection, despite facing
hardships. Let's break it down line by line:

"O look, look in the mirror,

O look in your distress:"

Here, the speaker urges the reader to take a closer look at

themselves, specifically in times of distress. The mirror
serves as a metaphorical representation of self-reflection
and introspection. It implies that during challenging
moments, it is crucial to pause and examine oneself
honestly.

"Life remains a blessing

Although you cannot bless."
This line emphasizes that life itself is inherently valuable
and positive, even if you feel unable to bestow blessings
upon it. It suggests that despite the difficulties and
hardships one may face, the essence of life is still a gift to
be cherished.

Overall, this stanza encourages individuals to confront

their own struggles and to recognize the inherent beauty
and significance of life, regardless of their current
circumstances. It highlights the importance of self-
reflection and finding gratitude and meaning in life, even
in the face of challenges.

The stanza you've quoted is from the poem "As I Walked

Out One Evening" by W.H. Auden. This particular stanza
reflects on the complexities of human relationships and
the nature of love. Here's an interpretation of its meaning:
The speaker begins by addressing someone, instructing
them to stand at the window. This action could be
symbolic of observing the world or gaining a different
perspective. The mention of tears suggests that the
speaker is experiencing emotional pain or anguish.

The next line speaks of loving a "crooked neighbor." The

word "crooked" can be interpreted in different ways. It
may refer to someone who is morally flawed or imperfect,
or it could indicate someone with physical deformity. In
this context, it signifies the flaws and imperfections
inherent in all individuals.

The phrase "with your crooked heart" suggests that the

person being addressed also possesses their own
imperfections and vulnerabilities. It implies that true love
and understanding arise from acknowledging and
embracing these flaws in oneself and others. Instead of
seeking perfection or judging others harshly, the speaker
encourages a more compassionate and accepting
approach.

Overall, this stanza suggests that genuine love involves

recognizing the imperfect nature of humanity and
choosing to love others despite their flaws. It encourages
empathy, understanding, and a willingness to embrace the
complexity of human relationships.
10
The fifteenth stanza provides a conclusion to the events of
the poem. The speaker, no longer relaying the words of
the clock or the song of the lovers, notes how it was late
in the evening when the discussion of death concluded.
The lovers were gone and the “clocks had ceased.” The
poem’s final line reads, “And the deep river ran on.”

This leaves the reader with an understanding of how the

world will continue, no matter who is in it or what
emotions they’re feeling. This deep expression of life and
death has concluded, and the river is still running. It will
continue to run after the lovers’ relationship has ended,
and everyone reading this poem or hearing the song has
passed away.