This Be The Verse

Philip Larkin / This Be The Verse

They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but the do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.

But they were fucked up in their turn
By fools in old-style hats and coats,
Who half time were soppy-stern
And half at one another’s throats.

Man hands on misery to man.
It deepens like a coastal shelf.
Get out as early as you can,
And don’t have any kids yourself.

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Rade Novotny / “poem transmitted“

Your mother and father upset and confuse you so much that you are not able to deal with problems in your life. Probably they do it without intentions, although their effect may not be benefitial. And they fill you with the responsibility for everything wrong that has happened or been done.

They upset you because they you think behave or speak in a way that lacks intelligence or good judgement. They wear old fassion hats and coats. They are silly and sentimental, full of unnecessary emotion or, vice-versa, fighting or arguing with each other.

They give and leave misery for each other to deal with.
It becomes worse and worse.
So, make yourself independent as soon as possible.
And, finally, don’t have any kids, don’t become a parent yourself.