As I Walked Out One Evening: Songs, Ballads, Lullabies, Limericks, and Other Light Verse

A delightful and comprehensive collection of the lighter side of W.H. Auden’s poetic genius.

While W.H. Auden is widely regarded as one of the greatest formal poets of the twentieth century, he was also a master of popular forms and "light verse." This collection brings together the poems intended for song, performance, or simple amusement, showcasing his extraordinary technical skill paired with wit, charm, and accessibility.

From the hauntingly beautiful title poem, "As I Walked Out One Evening," to spirited ballads, lullabies, and clever limericks, this volume reveals a poet who could move effortlessly between the profound and the playful. Whether writing for the cabaret stage or the nursery, Auden’s work in this collection remains sharp, musical, and deeply human.