In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag.

In this quote, W. H. Auden uses the image of a tail that one could wag to symbolize an outward expression of joy and excitement. The idea of wishing to have a tail to wag reflects the universal desire to physically manifest one’s happiness and elation. Auden implies that in moments of pure joy, we all long for a simple, instinctive way to show our exuberance, much like a dog does when it's excited.

Auden’s choice of a tail as a metaphor speaks to the innocence and genuineness of emotions that humans often wish they could express more openly. Wagging a tail is a natural, carefree way of showing happiness, free from the constraints of societal norms or expectations. It highlights how in times of joy, we might feel the urge to show our emotions in a more authentic and unrestrained way.

The quote also subtly points out how human beings often suppress or regulate their emotions, unlike animals who naturally express feelings through physical gestures. Auden may be reflecting on the idea that, in modern society, people are often taught to control their emotional expressions, which makes the desire for something as simple as wagging a tail a playful reflection on how we sometimes wish for more open and honest emotional displays.

Ultimately, Auden’s quote captures the simple joy of being alive and the wish to express that joy freely, without any of the complexities that human socialization often imposes. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the purest expressions of happiness come from being in touch with our most instinctive and natural responses.