Almanac Poetry: Larkin’s Last Words
Philip Larkin in a Library, 1970. [Wikipedia.]
Larkin’s Last Words
On his deathbed, Philip Larkin
turned to his nurse and said,
‘I am going to the inevitable’
– not surprising, being a poet,
that he got out something so fluent.
Read more from Kevin Densley HERE
Kevin Densley’s latest poetry collection, Please Feed the Macaws…I’m Feeling Too Indolent, is available HERE
Read more Almanac Poetry HERE
If you would like to receive the Almanac Music and Poetry newsletter we will add you to the list. Please email us: [email protected]
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – click HERE.
About
Kevin Densley is a graduate of both Deakin University and The University of Melbourne. He has taught writing and literature in numerous Victorian universities and TAFES. He is a poet and writer-in-general. His sixth book-length poetry collection, Isle Full of Noises, was published in early 2026 by Ginninderra Press. He is also the co-author of ten play collections for young people, as well as a multi Green Room Award nominated play, Last Chance Gas, published by Currency Press. Other writing includes screenplays for educational films.
Phillip Larkin was a goose;
His last breath sage obtuse.
Ha, thanks for that PB. (I think…)
For me, Larkin, the so-called ‘Hermit of Hull’, was just about the best English poet of the twentieth century. It’s a matter of opinion, of course, but I much prefer him, to his contemporary, Ted Hughes, for example.
I was sitting at breakfast reading Clive James’ book of his writings about the poetry of Philip Larkin – as you do. Putting the book down I thought I’d check out the site, and lo and behold, KD’s Monday poem is about Larkin. Coincidence or what! Larkin is one of my favourite poets even though I don’t always agree with his politics.
What a coincidence, Col! Glad you like Larkin as much as I do; also, like you, it’s not his politics that are the attraction. For me, it’s his wit, intelligence, and high degree of technical skill beneath a seemingly ‘ordinary’ surface. Many of his poems at first glance appear straightforward and ‘plain speaking’, but upon further reflection there’s much more to them than that.