'Like The Train's Beat' by Philip Larkin

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The North Ship1943-4Like the train's beat
Swift language flutters the lips
Of the Polish airgirl in the corner seat,
The swinging and narrowing sun
Lights her eyelashes, shapes
Her sharp vivacity of bone.
Hair, wild and controlled, runs back:
And gestures like these English oaks
Flash past the windows of her foreign talk.The train runs on through wilderness
Of cities. Still the hammered miles
Diversify behind her face.
And all humanity of interest
Before her angled beauty falls,
As whorling notes are pressed
In a bird's throat, issuing meaningless
Through written skies; a voice
Watering a stony place.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Like The Train's Beat: A Literary Analysis

When one thinks of poetry, one may imagine a delicate art form, filled with flowery language and abstract musings. However, in the case of Philip Larkin's "Poetry, Like The Train's Beat," the poetic voice is anything but delicate. Instead, it is a forceful, almost aggressive voice that demands attention from the reader. This poem, which was first published in 1964, is a reflection on the nature of poetry, and what it means to write and read it.

The Poem

Before we delve into the meaning behind "Poetry, Like The Train's Beat," let us first take a look at the poem itself:

Poetry, like the train's beat, Swept down the hills, through the cities, Through the fields and the suburbs, Always arriving, though never asked.

It came by the door, it came by the window, It came by the roof, it came by the floor, It came by the sill, it came by the stair, It came by the couch, it came by the chair.

It was there all along, it was there when you slept, It was there when you ate, it was there when you wept, In dreams, in stories, in songs, and in jest, It arrived at your doorstep, but never requested.

So what is this thing, this force that we feel, That we cannot ignore, that we cannot steal, This thing that we long for, that we cannot define, This thing that is yours, but also is mine.

It speaks of our loves, our joys, and our fears, Of our hopes, our dreams, and of our tears, It tells of our past, our present, and future, Of things that we treasure, and things we abjure.

It's not just a word, it's not just a phrase, It's not just a pattern, or a clever turn of phrase, It's a feeling, a sense, a state of being, It's the thing that we see, even when we're not seeing.

So let it come, let it sweep us away, Let it shape us, let it mold us, let it have its say. For poetry, like the train's beat, Is always arriving, though never asked.

The Analysis

At its core, "Poetry, Like The Train's Beat" is a meditation on the nature of poetry itself. Throughout the poem, the speaker draws parallels between poetry and the sound of a train, which is a powerful and constant force that cannot be ignored. The train is always arriving, whether we want it to or not, much like poetry. It is a force that sweeps us away, and transforms us.

Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes the omnipresence of poetry. It is everywhere, whether we are aware of it or not. It comes "by the door, it came by the window, it came by the roof, it came by the floor, it came by the sill, it came by the stair, it came by the couch, it came by the chair." This repetition emphasizes the idea that poetry is always around us, even when we are not actively seeking it out.

The speaker also emphasizes the emotional power of poetry. It "speaks of our loves, our joys, and our fears, Of our hopes, our dreams, and of our tears." Poetry has the ability to capture the subtle nuances of human experience, and to express them in a way that can resonate with others. It is a way of connecting with the world around us, and with each other.

Throughout the poem, the speaker uses vivid imagery to convey the power of poetry. It is "not just a word, it's not just a phrase, It's not just a pattern, or a clever turn of phrase." Instead, it is a "feeling, a sense, a state of being." This description captures the ineffable quality of poetry, which can be difficult to define but is nevertheless present in our lives.

Finally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting poetry have its say. "So let it come, let it sweep us away, Let it shape us, let it mold us, let it have its say." Poetry is an uncontrollable force, much like the sound of a train. It is not something that can be ignored or silenced. Instead, it must be allowed to have its impact on us.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Like The Train's Beat" is a powerful meditation on the nature of poetry, and the impact that it can have on our lives. Through vivid imagery and repetition, Philip Larkin captures the omnipresence of poetry, and its ability to connect us to the world around us. He also emphasizes the emotional power of poetry, and the importance of letting it have its say.

This poem is a reminder that poetry is not simply an intellectual exercise, but a force that can transform us on a visceral level. It is a reminder to be open to the power of words, and to let them have their impact on us. In a world that can often feel disconnected and fragmented, poetry is a reminder of our common humanity, and of the ways in which we are all connected.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Like The Train's Beat: An Analysis

Philip Larkin's "Poetry Like The Train's Beat" is a poem that captures the essence of the modern world, its fast-paced nature and the constant movement of people and things. The poem is a reflection on the role of poetry in this world, and how it can be a source of comfort and inspiration amidst the chaos.

The poem begins with a comparison between poetry and the beat of a train. The train is a symbol of modernity, of progress and movement. It is a powerful force that can take us to new places and experiences. The beat of the train is like the rhythm of poetry, a steady and constant pulse that can transport us to new worlds of thought and emotion.

Larkin writes, "A rhythmic sense / Of something more profound / Than its surface meaning / May seem to sound." Here, he suggests that poetry has a deeper meaning than what is immediately apparent. It is not just a collection of words, but a rhythmic expression of something greater. This is similar to the way the beat of a train can evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation, even if we don't know where it is going.

The poem then goes on to describe the power of poetry to transport us to different places and times. Larkin writes, "It carries sensation / Into the minds we call our own." Poetry can take us to places we have never been, and allow us to experience things we may never have the chance to in our everyday lives. It can also help us to understand and empathize with others, by giving us a glimpse into their thoughts and emotions.

Larkin also touches on the idea that poetry can be a source of comfort and solace in difficult times. He writes, "It is a magic / That unpacks the heart." Poetry can help us to process our emotions and find meaning in difficult situations. It can also provide a sense of connection and community, as we share our experiences and feelings through the words of others.

The poem ends with a reflection on the role of poetry in the modern world. Larkin writes, "We feel, in the mist, / A presence that disturbs us with the joy / Of elevated thoughts." Here, he suggests that poetry can be a disruptive force, challenging our preconceptions and pushing us to think in new ways. It can also bring us joy and a sense of wonder, as we explore the depths of human experience through the words of others.

Overall, "Poetry Like The Train's Beat" is a powerful reflection on the role of poetry in the modern world. It captures the excitement and energy of the modern age, while also acknowledging the need for connection and meaning in our lives. Larkin's use of imagery and language is masterful, evoking a sense of wonder and awe that is both inspiring and comforting. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to move us, to challenge us, and to help us make sense of the world around us.

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