National Poetry Day 2nd October @PoetryDayUK
I’m nothing if not occasionally predictable so here is my favourite Philip Larkin to celebrate National Poetry Day. If you’re wondering why this should be predictable, check here!
This Be The Verse
They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half the time were soppy-stern
And half at one another’s throats.
Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don’t have any kids yourself.
Take care and keep laughing!
First Night Design 
Right here is the plain truth. I read the words “Phillip Larkin” as I trolled down my “Reader” and I said, “Spot on.” I wonder if she’s chosen that poem about your Mum and Dad. Opened up the page, and blow me down you had. And that’s how you make someone you’ve never met smile in the morning, because I could settle down and read his brilliant poem again, and all thanks to you
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Delighted to hear that!
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great poem! we were unawares that today is National Poetry Day. thanks for the reminder, xo LMA
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Only in the UK, as far as I know. Glad you enjoyed the poem!
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Great poem, unfortunately there is a lot of true in it. 😉
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Alas, yes.
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🙂
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I did know this poem Sarah, and I have admired Larkin for some time.
I listened to his advice, and I didn’t have any kids myself. For those reasons.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I had no doubt at all that you would know it, Pete – off by heart, probably! I just thought it would amuse you to point you in this direction having read about your father.
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