In bad times like these, poetry sometimes helps

This article is titled 'In bad times like these, poetry sometimes helps. ' It discusses a poem by W. H. Auden, 'September 1, 1939. ' Auden's poem is renowned, but as he aged, he grew to dislike it. He felt it was overly political and egocentric. When he compiled his final anthology of poetry, he intentionally omitted it. This decision sparked outrage among his fans, akin to a Beatles album without the song 'Yesterday. ' The author of this article admits to not being a regular reader of poetry. However, as he nears his sixtieth birthday, he begins to comprehend why Auden became disillusioned with his earlier work. He finds some lines of the poem overly dramatic, but acknowledges that other parts still hold truth. The poem discusses the cycle of harm, where those who have been wronged often wrong others in return. The author believes this is a universal truth that is often overlooked. He criticizes adults for their tendency to believe that only their adversaries commit wrongdoings. He understands that this is why Auden's poem resonated with so many. The article concludes with the author envisioning himself in a bar, feeling fearful and uncertain. He believes this is the emotional state that the poem would evoke.