"As I Walked Out One Evening" is a poem written by W. H. Auden that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of love. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB in each stanza.
The poem begins with the speaker walking out one evening, an ordinary event that becomes a metaphor for the passage of time. The speaker is confronted with a clock that is "ticking" and "striking," reminding the speaker of the passage of time and the inevitable end that awaits us all. The speaker then encounters a lover and a lover's love, which is described as "fierce" and "true."
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the fact that love is fleeting and that it will eventually fade away. The lover's love is described as being "lost" and the lover is described as being "old." This reflects the idea that love and youth are fleeting and that we must ultimately come to terms with the passage of time and the loss of loved ones.
The final stanza of the poem reflects on the idea that love and life are intertwined, with the speaker stating that "the hours of love are short" and that "the world is full of poverty." This reflects the idea that love is a precious and rare commodity, something that should be cherished and valued while it lasts. However, the world is also a harsh and unforgiving place, with poverty and suffering being a constant presence.
In conclusion, "As I Walked Out One Evening" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of love. It reminds us that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have with the people we love. The poem also reflects on the idea that love is a precious and rare commodity, something that should be cherished and valued while it lasts.
