Be the ironic light

If one reads this poem with 9/11 in mind, it is almost as if the author knew beforehand what was coming. Many parts of the poem can be taken to symbolize events and feelings during 9/11, but also, show the author's feelings after WWII.

Starting off with fifty-second street, this indicates that we might be in a bigger city, later confirmed by "skyscrapers". Death in September, with a brightened and darkened city points to those dead within fire and smoke, in both 9/11 and battlefronts. "Driven a culture mad" could be representative of the sect of terrorists that performed 9/11 or German Nazis."Those to whom evil is done do evil in return" can now refer to the war on terror or Arabic nations. They started terrorism, and we are not taking any more chances. The "enlightenment driven away" is fitting for both 9/11 and WWII, for crisis was at hand and war and protection were all that was focused on. There was no time for books.
The tall skyscrapers represent the strength of the U.S., but more importantly the strength of man collected, as it was the world trade center. "Each language pours" in contribution, but the "euphoric dream" of peace can only end. The "faces along the bar", or the everyday people doing their jobs in the city, we must never forget. Their lives were changed. We can't let them die for nothing, "their lights must never go out". And remembering them in key, for the "music must always play". More people within the tower, or dense commuters, along with the helpless governors, or Pentagon workers, were changed that day. They were shocked, "the world was in stupor", and everyone stood by to support.

Auden wants for hope and encouragement through the dark times, to be that light. Be ironic amid the darkness, because even though there seems to be so much despair and doubt and wickedness, defy them and cleanse the portion of your world that your light shines upon. Use your goodness, and perhaps the wind amid the smoke will carry your hope and light throughout the world, we need only try.