Myxomatosis - A poem by Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin - Myxomatosis

Caught in the center of a soundless field
While hot inexplicable hours go by
What trap is this? Where were its teeth concealed?
You seem to ask.
			I make a sharp reply,
Then clean my stick. I'm glad I can't explain
Just in what jaws you were to suppurate:
You may have thought things would come right again
If you could only keep quite still and wait.

Added: on May 24th, 2005 at 9:03 AM | Viewed: 4189 times | Comments (3)

Myxomatosis - Comments and Information
Poet: Philip Larkin Poem: Myxomatosis Volume: The Less Deceived Year: Published/Written in 1954 Comment 3 of 3, added on August 27th, 2005 at 2:48 PM. I read this poem in school and it always stuck in my mind... I think its power lies in its concision. Larkin really knows how to pack in a punch - I would like to know what he would say about the state we find ourselves in today. Lisa from United Kingdom Comment 2 of 3, added on July 19th, 2005 at 12:49 PM. This poem has nothing to do with rabbits really. It is of course a metaphor for us as humans and how with a lot of problems, either are own or others, our attitude is to do nothing and hope they go away. Ross from Ireland Comment 1 of 3, added on May 24th, 2005 at 9:03 AM. This poem really captures the defencelessness of rabbits with this disease. They have, most often, a serious form of pneumonia, severe conjunctivitis and inflammations, suffer convulsions and disorientation. The rabbits seem to suffer so much pain through this, that I think something should be done to protect wild rabbits. Perhaps they could be vaccinated through pellets being left to innoculate them? In truth, Philip Larkin did the kindest thing to the rabbit he encountered. Matthew J Hopkins from United Kingdom More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Myxomatosis, has received 3 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Philip Larkin with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
Myxomatosis Volume: The Less Deceived Year: Published/Written in 1954 Last read: 2009-11-07 13:42:03 Viewed 4189 times. Added on May 24th, 2005 at 9:03 AM.

Larkin Info
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