Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Larkin's poem "Coming" captures the anticipation and subtle transformation brought by the approach of spring. Through a serene and reflective tone, Larkin conveys the beauty of the changing season and its unexpected impact on the speaker's emotional state.

The poem begins with the setting of "longer evenings," indicating a shift in time that heralds the end of winter. The description of the light as "chill and yellow" suggests a lingering coldness mixed with the warmth and brightness of the approaching spring. This juxtaposition reflects the transition period between the two seasons, where the presence of light starts to dominate, yet the remnants of winter's chill are still felt.

Larkin uses imagery to paint a tranquil scene: "Bathes the serene / Foreheads of houses." The personification of houses with "serene foreheads" evokes a sense of calm and quietude, as if the houses themselves are peaceful and reflective under the soft, yellow light. This imagery sets a contemplative mood, inviting the reader to share in the stillness and anticipation of the moment.

The poem's focus shifts to the natural world with the line "A thrush sings, / Laurel-surrounded / In the deep bare garden." The thrush, a symbol of spring and renewal, is depicted singing with a "fresh-peeled voice," suggesting clarity, purity, and new beginnings. The phrase "astonishing the brickwork" emphasizes the bird's song as a refreshing and unexpected burst of life amidst the stillness of the garden and the solidity of the brick houses. The contrast between the natural and the constructed environment highlights the arrival of spring as a remarkable and enlivening event.

As the poem progresses, the repetition of "It will be spring soon" underscores the certainty and inevitability of the seasonal change. This repetition builds a sense of anticipation and excitement, reflecting the speaker's own feelings about the approaching season.

In the final lines, Larkin introduces a personal reflection: "And I, whose childhood / Is a forgotten boredom, / Feel like a child / Who comes on a scene / Of adult reconciling, / And can understand nothing / But the unusual laughter, / And starts to be happy." Here, the speaker compares the arrival of spring to a child witnessing a moment of adult reconciliation. The child's inability to fully comprehend the situation but feeling happy nonetheless parallels the speaker's reaction to spring. Despite the speaker's past experience of childhood as "a forgotten boredom," the renewal brought by spring rekindles a childlike sense of wonder and joy.

The poem's closing lines capture a moment of unanticipated happiness, sparked by the simple yet profound changes in the environment. The speaker's emotional response to the season's shift mirrors the innocence and spontaneity of a child's reaction to unexpected joy.

In summary, Philip Larkin's "Coming" is a contemplative and hopeful poem that explores the transition from winter to spring. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Larkin conveys the beauty and emotional impact of this seasonal change. The poem captures the essence of renewal and the capacity for simple, natural events to evoke profound feelings of happiness and wonder, even in those who may have long forgotten such experiences.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...