“Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.”

—  W. H. Auden , September 1, 1939

Source: September 1, 1939 (1939), Lines 89–99

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W. H. Auden photo
W. H. Auden 122
Anglo-American poet 1907–1973

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