This be the Tribute

to Philip Larkin

First published in Roundyhouse

They've fucked you up, you know, old chap.

They really meant to, and they did.

You stuffed your letters full of crap;

now someone's gone and blown the lid.

 

But he'll be fucked up, too, of course,

by critics and assorted hacks,

who like to discuss and discourse

and stab each other in the backs.

 

Men hand their wisdom on to men

to build a tomb, a marbled hall.

Get out, and don't forget to take your pen,

and don't write any verse at all.