Jim, I had a strong impression that you were defending the sacred names of Mum and Dad—past, present and future.
Janet
PS: I spoke of my experiences to illustrate one case which fitted the philosophy of the poem. There are many similar cases. And if we didn't laugh we'd be lost.
Thank you Philip Larkin.
PPS: Jim: I loved the declarations by the "eminent" that they were not fucked up. Such self-confidence is dazzling. The poem's popularity rests as much on the relief of reading unvarnished truth as it does on any out-of-date shock value involved in saying "fuck" in a poem. It is funny. I think the complacent eminent persons are equally funny.
And something you of all people must appreciate— it's the TIMING. The poem is pitch-perfect and perfectly paced.
[This message has been edited by Janet Kenny (edited October 10, 2008).]
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