I Have Started To Say

Portrait of Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin 1922–1985

I have started to say "A quarter of a century" Or "thirty years back" About my own life.

It makes me breathless It's like falling and recovering In huge gesturing loops Through an empty sky.

All that's left to happen Is some deaths (my own included). Their order, and their manner, Remain to be learnt.

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