Friday Poetry Blogging

I know a good idea when I steal it. Jo(e) started posting a poem to her blog every Friday.  I think that's really cool.  Here's one from the "Oldie but Goodie" category.  I have enjoyed it for many years, but now that I am a parent, it emits new and ominous vibes.

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. Philip Larkin

Comments

[Rachel H.]

A grim little poem, and it scans like Suess. Nice :).

[jo(e)]

This simple poem is surprisingly powerful.

I often see it quoted when people ask about favorite first lines.

[Jen (yup, another one)]

Oh, that's so funny! Cait's dad just showed me that poem when we were visiting them (for our baby shower) a few weeks ago.

[shannon]

I love that poem!

[elswhere]

I love it, too! It *is* grim. But...effective.