"Funeral Blues" is a poem written by W. H. Auden that reflects on the devastating loss of a loved one. The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines.
In the first stanza, the speaker begins by stating that the deceased is no longer there, and the world has come to a standstill as a result. "Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone," the speaker says, suggesting that the loss is so profound that it has disrupted the normal functioning of everyday life. The speaker also asks that the airplanes be grounded, and that the "forsaken" mourners be allowed to grieve in peace.
The second stanza continues the theme of grief and loss, with the speaker stating that the deceased was "the centre of [their] world." The speaker also mentions that the deceased "was my North, my South, my East and West," indicating the all-encompassing nature of their love and affection.
In the third stanza, the speaker laments that the deceased will never again be able to experience the joys of life, such as "sunlight on a bright hair" or "love and kisses." The speaker also expresses frustration at the finality of death, saying that "nothing now can ever come to any good."
The final stanza of the poem brings the speaker's grief full circle, with a return to the image of the stopped clocks and silenced telephone. The speaker concludes by stating that they will "never, never, never" be able to find comfort or solace in the wake of the loved one's death.
Overall, "Funeral Blues" is a poignant and moving reflection on the devastating impact of loss. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the depth of the speaker's grief and the all-consuming nature of their love for the deceased.