Poem Analysis - First Things First

Introduction: A Storm of Love and Practicality

W.H. Auden's "First Things First" is a contemplative poem that begins with a romantic interpretation of a winter storm and gradually shifts towards a pragmatic view of life's necessities. The poem's tone moves from dreamy and imaginative to grounded and somewhat humorous. Auden explores the contrast between idealized love and the fundamental requirements for survival. Ultimately, the poem is a gentle reminder of the importance of basic needs even amidst the complexities of human emotion and thought.

Historical Context: Auden's Shifting Priorities

While specific historical events aren't directly addressed, Auden's personal history provides context. He was a poet known for his intellectual and often socially conscious work. Later in his life, he became more focused on personal and spiritual themes. This shift in focus may be reflected in the poem's movement from romantic musings to a more practical outlook on life. The mention of "Hegelian Bishops" could also be a subtle nod to intellectual and philosophical debates of his time.

Love's Voice in the Storm: Theme of Idealized Love

One of the poem's main themes is idealized love. This is developed through the description of the storm, which Auden's ear "unscrambles" into a "love-speech indicative of a Proper Name." The storm itself becomes a conduit for praise, painting the beloved as a powerful and almost mythical figure, a "god-child of the Moon and the West Wind." The poem uses rich imagery to enhance this theme, likening the beloved's "poise of being" to an "upland county," a place of beauty and serenity. The "stare of any rose" symbolizes the timeless and ageless quality of love and connection with the beloved.

Facing Existential Threats: Theme of Existential Anxiety

The poem also grapples with existential anxiety, particularly in the fourth stanza. The "smirking devil" who "annoys me in beautiful English" represents a cynical voice that predicts a bleak future where sacred values are desecrated and "gentle hearts are extinct." This section highlights a fear of cultural degradation and the loss of genuine human connection. This vision contrasts sharply with the idealized love presented earlier, suggesting a tension between the speaker's desires for beauty and connection and his anxieties about the state of the world.

Practical Necessities: Theme of Prioritization and Survival

The concluding stanza introduces the theme of prioritization and survival. After the romantic and anxious musings, the morning presents a pragmatic perspective. The focus shifts to the tangible: "So many cubic metres the more in my cistern / Against a leonine summer." This image is grounded and emphasizes the importance of basic needs like water. The final line, "Thousands have lived without love, not one without water," succinctly encapsulates the poem's central message: while love is beautiful and important, it is secondary to the fundamental necessities of survival.

Recurring Image: The Voice of Nature

A recurring image in the poem is the voice of nature. First, it appears as the storm, which is interpreted as a "love-speech." Later, the morning itself "quietly drew my attention to what had been done" regarding the water supply. This suggests that nature can communicate profound truths, both about love and about the more practical aspects of life. The storm’s initial romantic message is ultimately tempered by the morning's reminder of the importance of survival, showing how nature's voice can be both inspiring and grounding. Perhaps the ambiguity lies in whether we are projecting our own interpretations onto nature, or if nature genuinely communicates with us.

Conclusion: Balancing the Ideal and the Real

"First Things First" is a poem that explores the interplay between romantic ideals and practical realities. It moves from an imaginative interpretation of a storm as a love song to a grounded appreciation for the simple necessity of water. Auden suggests that while love and beauty are important, they cannot eclipse the fundamental requirements for survival. The poem's significance lies in its gentle reminder to balance our aspirations with a clear understanding of our basic needs, ultimately urging us to put "first things first."