Philip Larkin II

Here's another of his poems that finds favour with me - I particularly like complimentary poetry that deliver their praises through the most unexpected and unlikely ways, that bring out the essence of the mentioned virtues from the prosaic facets of the object, that illustrate how the extraordinary is often hidden behind the ordinary. Such poems are often suitably 'dressed down' and simple to read, with the form befitting the content. This poem dedicated to a newborn reminds us of the real ingredients for happiness that we often forget.

Born Yesterday
for Sally Amis

Tightly-folded bud,
I have wished you something
None of the others would:
Not the usual stuff
About being beautiful,
Or running off the spring,
Of innocence and love -
They will all wish you that,
And should it prove possible,
Well, you're a lucky girl.

But if it shouldn't, then
May you be ordinary;
Have, like other women,
An average of talents:
Not ugly, not good-looking,
Nothing uncustomary
To pull you off your balance,
That, unworkable itself,
Stops all the rest from working.
In fact, may you be dull -
If that is what a skilled,
Vigilant, flexible,
Unemphasised, enthralled
Catching of happiness is called.