Reasons For Attendance

Philip Larkin

The trumpet's voice, loud and authoritative,
Draws me a moment to the lighted glass
To watch the dancers - all under twenty-five -
Solemnly on the beat of happiness.

- Or so I fancy, sensing the smoke and sweat,
The wonderful feel of girls. Why be out there ?
But then, why be in there? Sex, yes, but what
Is sex ? Surely to think the lion's share
Of happiness is found by couples - sheer

Inaccuracy, as far as I'm concerned.
What calls me is that lifted, rough-tongued bell
(Art, if you like) whose individual sound
Insists I too am individual.
It speaks; I hear; others may hear as well,

But not for me, nor I for them; and so
With happiness. Therefor I stay outside,
Believing this, and they maul to and fro,
Believing that; and both are satisfied,
If no one has misjudged himself. Or lied.

Next 10 Poems

• Philip Larkin : Sad Steps
• Philip Larkin : Send No Money
• Philip Larkin : Since The Majority Of Me
• Philip Larkin : Skin
• Philip Larkin : Solar
• Philip Larkin : Story
• Philip Larkin : Sunny Prestatyn
• Philip Larkin : Take One Home For The Kiddies
• Philip Larkin : Talking In Bed
• Philip Larkin : The Building

Previous 10 Poems

• Philip Larkin : Poetry Of Departures
• Philip Larkin : Nothing To Be Said
• Philip Larkin : No Road
• Philip Larkin : Night-music
• Philip Larkin : Next, Please
• Philip Larkin : New Eyes Each Year
• Philip Larkin : Myxomatosis
• Philip Larkin : Mr Bleaney
• Philip Larkin : Mother, Summer, I
• Philip Larkin : Money