[ladyrustic]

Thank you, Dysart, for sharing Larkin’s poem “Aubade”. It was starkly beautiful, in a horrifying kind of way, but reassuring to see that there are others who wrestle with and agonize over death.

Hitchens was the consummate individual, intellectually admirable, and true to himself.

[Dysart]

You're welcome and nicely said. While it's true that "Aubade" isn't inspirational or uplifting in an ordinary sense, and answers no questions or provides guidance, it's hauntingly profound and the poet's voice rigorously honest. The reader almost feels like he is peering in on his own apprehensions.

And I have to think the pensive Hitchens really did wrestle with these primal fears despite his bluster, and it's possible he may have found hope someday given more time. He's RIP now.