On Reading ‘Aubade’ By Philip Larkin
I write all day I don’t get drunk at night
I sleep sound and wake up at first light
I’ve lived my life in the light of resurrection
This world I’ve always thought has a connection
To what now came before, what comes after
The sight and sounds of joy and merry laughter
I’ve known some doubt I’ve suffered from depression
But coming round I think I’ve learned a lesson
The dark shall not divide it will not win
So cheer up Philip Larkin there chin chin
‘The sure extinction that we travel to’
I can’t be buying that and don’t want to
That death should make a mockery of life
Total destruction meaninglessness of strife
Say not the struggle naught availeth, me
The purpose and the promise wait and see
You’re very funny talking of death’s chill
‘Most things never happen: this one will’
What faith believes and our hope looks to
Love will guarantee love will win through
Death we can’t escape yet won’t accept
A dichotomy of life you always kept
The Lord shows us another way to be
Accepting death and dying on a tree
Yielding himself into God’s hands
Promising the thief eternal lands
Meanwhile the daily round of work transpires
Our ‘rented world’ mires us in desires
Postmen on their rounds door to door
Life will out death is on the floor
Brian Fahy
21 May 2021
* What I have read of Philip Larkin I like a lot. I must read more.
Erris Poetry 