Night Mail W. H. Auden (Text & Explanation)

Poem # 2

Night Mail

W. H. Auden

(Text & Explanation)

Reference:

These lines have been taken from the poem ‘Night Mail’ written by ‘W.H. Auden’.

Context:

The poet describes the journey of a mail train through steep slopes and landscapes till reaching its destination in time, It brings cheques, postal orders, and letters for different cross-sections of society, It moves as a unique force to face every kind of challenge. The poet emphasizes the commitment and punctuality of the train.

Lines 1-2

This is the Night Mail crossing the Border,

Bringing the cheque and the postal order,

Explanation:

In these lines, the poet describes the functions of the Night Mail which crosses the borders to reach its destination. It brings cheques and postal orders for all and sundry. It goes across borders, it is surely a symbol of commitment, punctuality, and regularity.

Lines 3-4

Letters for the rich, letters for the poor,

The shop at the corner, the girl next door.

Explanation:

The poet says that the Night Mail brings letters for both, the rich and the poor, without any discrimination, It brings letters and cheques for a shopkeeper and for a common household girl. It reaches everywhere and influences everyone

Lines 5-6:

Pulling up Beattock, a steady climb;

The gradient's against her, but she's on time.

Explanation:

The poet describes the Night Mall steadily climbing up the hills of Beattock. It faces different barriers against it but it is always on time. It teaches us the lesson of commitment and determination.

Lines 7-8:

Past cotton grass and moorland boulders,

Shoveling white steam over her shoulder,

Explanation:

The train keeps moving towards its destination. It passes through the cotton fields and rocky lands. It shovels white steam over its shoulder. It is very consistent and determined in its work.

Lines 9-10:

Snorting noisily, she passes

Silent miles of wing-bent grasses.

Explanation:

The poet uses auditory imagery to describe the journey of the train as it creates a loud snorting sound. Then it passes, silently, miles together. It passes by the wind-bent grass in the fields.

Lines 11-12:

Birds turn their heads as she approaches,

Stare from bushes at her blank-faced coaches.

Explanation:

The poet describes the reaction of the birds as the Night Mail passes nearby them. They just turn their heads and stare at its blank-faced coaches. Even the birds have learned about its presence.

Lines 13-14:

Sheep-dogs cannot turn their course;

They slumber on with paws across

Explanation:

The train also influences the sheep-dogs. Though they are very watchful yet they feel relaxed because they have learned that Night Mail is not a danger for the sheep. So, they just sleep and do not try to change their course.

Lines 15-16:

On the farm she passes; no one wakes,

But a jug in a bedroom gently shakes.

Explanation:

In the final lines, the poet says that the Night Mail passes nearby the farms. It may shake a jug in a bedroom but it does not affect human sleep. The language used by the poet is simple but rhythmic.

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