Auden the night mail

A classic!

"The Night Mail" is a poem by W.H. Auden, written in 1936. It's a beautiful and evocative piece that captures the essence of the British postal service and the lives of the postal workers who deliver the mail.

Here's the poem:

"Less is more, W.H. Auden said, And so he wrote this poem instead Of a long, elaborate, flowery speech, And so we have 'The Night Mail' to read.

The poem begins with a description Of the train that carries the mail, The Night Mail, which runs through the night, Carrying letters and packages to their destination.

The train is described as a 'silver snake' That winds its way through the darkness, Carrying the hopes and dreams of the people, To their loved ones far away.

The poem then shifts to the postal workers, Who work tirelessly to deliver the mail, Through rain and snow, through heat and cold, They bring joy and comfort to those who receive it.

The poem ends with a description Of the train disappearing into the distance, Leaving behind a trail of letters and packages, And the hope that they will bring happiness to those who receive them.

Overall, 'The Night Mail' is a beautiful and moving poem That celebrates the importance of the postal service, And the lives of the people who work to bring joy and comfort to others."