Words as plain as hen-birds' wings 
Do not lie, 
Do not over-broider things - 
Are too shy. 

Thoughts that shuffle round like pence 
Through each reign, 
Wear down to their simplest sense 
Yet remain. 

Weeds are not supposed to grow 
But by degrees 
Some achieve a flower, although 
No one sees.

Added: Feb 20 2003 | Viewed: 2763 times | Comments (0)

Poet: Philip Larkin
Poem: Modesties
Volume: XX Poems
Year: Published/Written in 1949
Poem of the Day on:
Nov 25 2004
There are no comments for this poem. Why not be the first one to post something about it?

Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Modesties, has not yet been commented on. You can click here to be the first to post a comment about it. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Philip Larkin with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!