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.
(Philip Larkin)
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Based on Topics: Happiness Poems, Art Poems, Belief & Faith Poems, Speaking Poems, Pleasure Poems, Dancing Poems, Lions Poems, Sex PoemsBased on Keywords: lied, twenty-five, couples, insists, therefor, maul, misjudged, authoritative, rough-tongued