Visiting Mr. Larkin

for Philip Larkin

I come to visit you. I find you
On the shelf between the k's and m's.

Vivid in your heavy frame glasses,
Crisply knotted tie and snug sweater,
I greet you; we meet again.

I sit on the bench beside you.
We catch up on the state of teaching,
What it means to write, and why.

I remember winter light
Illuminating stucco houses
On my way to see you,
Also in your poem before me.

We share a certain sympathy,
You and I. It would be blasphemy
To own you; I'll go on visiting.


©2016 Michael Fraley




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