‘Funeral Blues,’ also known as ‘Stop all the Clocks,’ is arguably Auden’s most famous poem. It was first published in ‘The Year’s Poetry’ in 1938.
Widely accepted as Auden's most iconic poem, 'Funeral Blues' has become one of the most commonly referenced poems ever produced and is one of the defining poetic renderings of grief and loss. The depth of feeling evoked in the poem is equal to that of any writer in Auden's era. The poem has been referenced countless times in other works and famously featured in the 1990s romantic comedy, Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.