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W. H. Auden

W. H. Auden

Never Stronger

Again in conversations
Speaking of fear
And throwing off reserve
The voice is nearer
But no clearer
Than first love
Than boys’ imaginations.
 
For every news
Means pairing off in twos and twos,
Another I, another You,
Each knowing what to do
But of no use.
 
Never stronger
But younger and younger,
Saying good—bye but coming back, for fear
Is over there,
And the centre of anger
Is out of danger.

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