This Be The Verse

Philip Arthur Larkin

1922 to 1985

Poem Image
Track 1

Reconstruct the poem by dragging each line into its correct position. Your goal is to reassemble the original poem as accurately as possible. As you move the lines, you'll see whether your arrangement is correct, helping you explore the poem's flow and meaning. You can also print out the jumbled poem to cut up and reassemble in the classroom. Either way, take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.

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    They may not mean to, but they do.   
Man hands on misery to man.
    And half at one another's throats.
    And don't have any kids yourself.
    It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Who half the time were soppy-stern
They fill you with the faults they had
But they were fucked up in their turn
They fuck you up, your mum and dad.   
    By fools in old-style hats and coats,   
    And add some extra, just for you.
Get out as early as you can,