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"The trees stand in the setting sun,
I in their freckled shade
Regard the cavalcade of sin,
Remorse for foolish action done,
That pass like ghosts regardless, in
A human image made...."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "After-Dinner Remarks." |
"Life is first boredom, then fear.
Whether or not we use it, it goes,
And leaves what something hidden from us chose,
And age, and then the only end of age."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Dockery and Son." |
"I deal with farmers, things like dips and feed."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Livings." |
""... One of those old-type natural fouled-up guys.""
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Posterity." |
"... a unique endeavour
To bring to bloom the million-petalled flower
Of being here."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "The Old Fools. |
"A good meal can somewhat repair
The eatings of slight love...."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "After-Dinner Remarks." |
"To have no son, no wife,
No house or land still seemed quite natural.
Only a numbness registered the shock
Of finding out how much had gone of life,
How widely from the others."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Dockery and Son." |
"Rocks writhe back to sight.
Mussels, limpets,
Husband their tenacity
In the freezing slither
Creatures, I cherish you!"
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Livings." |
"He's no call to hide
Some slight impatience with his destiny:
"I'm stuck with this old fart at least a year....""
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "Posterity." |
"At death, you break up: the bits that were you
Start speeding away from each other for ever
With no one to see."
Philip Larkin (1922-1986), British poet. "The Old Fools." |
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Philip Larkin
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