This Be The Verse

Surfing around on Goodreads today, I came across a poem by Philip Larkin entitled "This be the verse".
I smiled, realising I knew it as it is my mother´s favourite poem. Not sure I ever knew who penned it, or that it had such an innocent-sounding name, however!

Reposted here for my mother who probably doesn't even know this blog exists, because I love you and I wish I could give you a hug and wish you a happy new year face to face.

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.

Author ~ Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin Official Website