Lifting the veil of Larkin’s verse

In this second chat about Philip Larkin I suggest that some poems might not be as bleak as they seem at first
If you wish, You can encourage me with coffee and cake here
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[@postscript67]

Funnily enough Larkin's most famously bleak poem "Aubade" tends to cheer me, not because of any underlying hope in its subject matter, but because it is so brilliantly written. It says so many things we have all felt, or almost felt, so succinctly and memorably that you almost hear the bells of recognition ringing in your head as you read it. And of course hearing someone else being miserable is always good for making you think you're not so badly off yourself after all!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes, it is a truly great poem, and remains great even if one ultimately disagrees with it

[@archiet2205]

I’ve often found myself tearing up at Larkin’s poetry. There’s just something the way he uses words and form which is so unlike anyone else.

[@doorntreader7624]

Insightful and absorbing, thanks, Malcolm. I'm going to have to go and buy a book of Larkin now!

[@fredgreen9578]

Thankyou for this video. As a long term believer in Larkin's genius l had never really looked at First Sight properly. Your critique is beautiful.

[@JohnRLee-uk2jr]

Good to have the positives of Larkin unearthed...

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

Thank you for this. I first came across Larkin back in college, but a Christian friend of mine from the church I went to while there kept making me feel guilty for reading him until I finally stopped. I never quite understood his rationale. I don't think I still have that copy, but I'll have to get another soon.

[@davidknox5929]

I had dismissed Larkin as a gloomy atheist.No longer.Thx Malcolm.

[@salh8742]

Good to hear you distinguish the poet from the man. Bleakness? I do not find Larkin’s poetry bleak. Larkin’s poetry seems honest, transcendental, full of life’s questions, indecisions, choices and dilemmas but not bleak. Cathartic in essence, full of release and relief, empathetic of the human condition and inherent struggles of living. ‘Give me your arm’ Dr Larkin (and Malcolm), thankyou for your spirit in this ‘frail travelling’ coincidence.

[@marclayne9261]

I love Larkin.....a complete curmudgeon...

[@davidgrahambrown3793]

What is said and not meant, and what is meant and not said, most of love is lost. Khalil Gibran.

[@anthonyvictor3034]

Talking in Bed could also be an echo of the spiritual dryness that arises between a person and God. Love that was once open and attentive, but has gone awry. Yet the fact that they lie together still suggests the possibility that the relationship can be renewed. Perhaps one brings to this poem one’s own struggle. Poets like Larkin remind us that there is space for those who are what I call God’s most loyal opposition

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

'God's loyal opposition' - that's a great phrase!

[@reaganwiles_art]

Wonderful, wonderful. Feel better soon.

[@greyfeather7857]

Always a pleasure to hear you read and explain poetry. Thankful for your kindness and time spent with us. Take care,locally sourced honey is a good cure all and may help you. I suffered post covid fatigue and find a nap when possible greatly restorative. You are such a joy to listen to .

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@AndrewLeigh-v1l]

I discovered Larkin through the book HISTORY OF THE WORLD 10 AND A HALF CHAPTERS BY Julien Barnes,,, the poem is the Arundel tomo,,,, but Malcom thanks love what you do 😂

[@GenuinelyEvil]

'If nature did not take delight in blood, She would have made more easy ways to good.' The uncaring nature of nature has been with us for a while. With some theologians seeming to suggest that god must be as appalled by it as we are. More recently On Dover Beach , while not completely without hope, is not exactly life affirming, and it all over Hardy.

[@lareunoia]

what a lovely message, Malcolm! thank you.

[@Lonehillbagger]

Two poems in one video 😀!Thank you!

[@ericdingler672]

Did you happen to score 2022 Peterson pipe of the year? It’s the Mark Twain model… 🤩

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

missed it!

[@mrickenbacherwest]

lovely. Both poems about the secret wonders that await us buried beneath Winter remind me of what they say about stones and the mineral kingdom. They are the first to hear the Sun's light returning after Winter solstice because they are so quiet. ;)

[@oldandintheway1955]

Thank you Malcolm, I'm rereading Larkin with a new appreciation for a subtle vision of hope, beneath the vail.

[@Ornamentmountain]

I love how he’s always in when we knock. Remind you of anyone? 😊

[@CHR588]

Thank you, please keep doing this

[@mattrich680]

One of the first times I've ever understood a poem the first time I heard it. Such truth.

[@chrisbeveridge3066]

Love this... Larkin is new to me...thank you...

[@pipgrace8333]

Dear Malcolm I Just wanted to thank you for your KZbin Spells in the Library . I really do enjoy them , and always look forward to what you have to share next .

[@thomasoconnor8880]

Thank you Fr Malcolm. This is a deeply nourishing reflection. Take care of yourself. You matter a great deal and not just for the tremendous work you are doing!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

You are so welcome

[@davidknox5929]

Are u a fan of the late Fred Buechner Malcolm?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

just beginning to get into him!

[@deborahsmith838]

Thanks, Malcom. Praying that you feel better very soon.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Much appreciated

[@JW-ue1xg]

'Church Going' is beautiful. As a Hull native, the poem 'Here' resonates. The familiar and local reveal the eternal. You are right. He is a master of form.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

He is indeed!

[@cynthiaford6976]

Beautiful poems! Lambs? Are they not like roses, impossible to invoke without invoking the archetypal symbol (Christ)? Either I read, or someone sent me, this quote from Larkin: "Deprivation is for me what daffodils were for Wordsworth." This sounds pretty ascetic to me! (The courageous doctors of the FLCCC recommend intermittent fasting to clear lingering effects of both vaccination and covid, in case that's what's affecting you. In any case, feel better!) 🐑

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

love that Larkin quote!

[@WickedHole]

I always took a more neutral interpretation on "First Sight." The lines "hidden round them, waiting too" could refer to things other than fresh Spring grass and natural beauty. Predators and hardships of farm-life come to mind, for instance. "Earth's immeasurable surprise" and "utterly unlike the snow" also portend nothing specifically good or specifically bad.