Horae Canonicae: Lauds
Horae Canonicae: Lauds - meaning Summary
Dawn's Communal Solitude
Auden's "Lauds" sketches an early-morning ritual where natural and human sounds—birds, cock, bell, mill-wheel—repeat in a circular pattern. The poem contrasts solitude with implied community: solitary observation becomes a way to feel connected to neighbors, the realm, and the temporal world. Short refrains emphasize repetition and continuity, turning ordinary rural sounds into a communal, almost liturgical chorus that names blessing and belonging at daybreak.
Read Complete AnalysesAmong the leaves the small birds sing; The crow of the cock commands awaking: In solitude, for company. Bright shines the sun on creatures mortal; Men of their neighbours become sensible: In solitude, for company. The crow of the cock commands awaking; Already the mass-bell goes dong-ding: In solitude, for company. Men of their neighbours become sensible; God bless the Realm, God bless the People: In solitude, for company. Already the mass-bell goes dong-ding; The dripping mill-wheel is again turning: In solitude, for company. God bless the Realm, God bless the People; God bless this green world temporal: In solitude, for company. The dripping mill-wheel is again turning; Among the leaves the small birds sing: In solitude, for company.
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