Song in the Manner of Housman - A poem by Ezra Pound

Ezra Pound - Song in the Manner of Housman

O woe, woe, 
People are born and die, 
We also shall be dead pretty soon 
Therefore let us act as if we were 
dead already.

The bird sits on the hawthorn tree 
But he dies also, presently. 
Some lads get hung, and some get shot. 
Woeful is this human lot. 
Woe! woe, etcetera . . . .

London is a woeful place, 
Shropshire is much pleasanter. 
Then let us smile a little space 
Upon fond nature's morbid grace. 
Oh, Woe, woe, woe, etcetera . . .

Added: on November 21st, 2005 at 9:36 AM | Viewed: 3035 times | Comments and analysis of Song in the Manner of Housman by Ezra Pound Comments (4)

Song in the Manner of Housman - Comments and Information
Poet: Ezra Pound Poem: Song in the Manner of Housman Poem of the Day: Nov 8 2005 Comment 4 of 4, added on February 21st, 2008 at 9:24 PM. I think the "Woe! woe, etcetera" is a satiric twist on the fact that we think it so sad when someone dies, but we go on grieving long after we really care, and our grieving rituals become more of a habit (etcetera) than an actual meaningful act. Sean from United States Comment 3 of 4, added on December 16th, 2005 at 8:04 AM. This is a little satirical gem. Having for years taken Housman's 'A Shropshire Lad' perhaps a little too seriously (much as I love the song settings by Butterly), I shall now be able to balance that with a little chuckle at H's almost Dickensian sentimentality. Much appreciated! Jim Campbell from Australia Comment 2 of 4, added on November 21st, 2005 at 9:36 AM. i disagree. although I should be doing my math homework right now, I am procrastinating. In fact, I think this poem is about defiance in the face of death... because death is "obligatory" and unavoidable, it becomes almost comedic that we fear it. of course i can't see the poem right now, so i'm just going on short-term memory. email me if you would like to respond. Beth from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Song in the Manner of Housman, has received 4 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Ezra Pound with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Ezra Pound Poem: Song in the Manner of Housman Last read: May 19 2008, 8:25PM Poem of the Day: Nov 8 2005 Viewed 3035 times. Added on November 21st, 2005 at 9:36 AM.

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