(via Chekhov’s Mistress) A story from RGJ.com:
Jacob Behymer-Smith, a ninth-grader at Coral Academy of Science in Reno, has excelled in classroom, school and county poetry competitions, reciting a W.H. Auden poem that contains the words “hell” and “damn.” Coral Academy officials have told Behymer-Smith, 14, that he can’t recite the poem, “The More Loving One,” in next week’s state Poetry Out Loud competition, because it contains inappropriate language. Today, U.S. District Judge Brian Sandoval, the former Nevada attorney general, will hear a request for a temporary restraining order to allow Behymer-Smith to recite the poem at the state competition at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City.
Here’s Auden’s poem:
Looking up at the stars, I know quite well
That, for all they care, I can go to hell,
But on earth indifference is the least
We have to dread from man or beast.How should we like it were stars to burn With a passion for us we could not return? If equal affection cannot be, Let the more loving one be me. Admirer as I think I am Of stars that do not give a damn, I cannot, now I see them, say I missed on terribly all day. Were all stars to disappear or die, I should learn to look at an empty sky And feel its total dark sublime, Though this might take me a little time.
In addition to an injunction, young Jacob is seeking a declaration that the ban on reciting the poem is unconstitutional, damages for emotional distress and loss of chance, and costs. This lad will go far. Late breaking news – The judge granted Jacob an injunction, so he’ll recite the Auden poem at the state competititon after all.
We hoped the formatting was fixed but it isn’t.
Auden is sublime whatever the formatting, Ken. Thanks for the reminder of the poem.
He’s a genius. Give the kid some Ginsberg!