Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Larkin’s poem “Born Yesterday” is a poignant and unconventional blessing for a newborn, deviating from traditional wishes of beauty and exceptionalism. Instead, Larkin offers a wish for ordinariness and contentment, challenging societal norms and highlighting the value of a balanced, unremarkable life.

The poem opens with the image of a “tightly-folded bud,” symbolizing the newborn’s potential and innocence. This metaphor suggests the anticipation of growth and the unfolding of life’s possibilities. Larkin immediately sets his wish apart from typical well-wishes: “I have wished you something / None of the others would.” This declaration piques the reader’s interest, hinting at a more grounded and realistic desire for the child’s future.

Larkin dismisses the conventional blessings of beauty and love, acknowledging their desirability yet pointing out their commonality: “Not the usual stuff / About being beautiful, / Or running off a spring / Of innocence and love.” He recognizes that these are the standard wishes bestowed upon a child, but he chooses to diverge from this norm, implying that such attributes, while ideal, are not essential for a fulfilling life.

The poet then offers a more humble and pragmatic wish: “But if it shouldn’t, then / May you be ordinary.” Larkin values the idea of ordinariness, proposing that an average life, free from extremes, might be more conducive to happiness and stability. He elaborates on this wish by hoping the child will have “an average of talents: / Not ugly, not good-looking, / Nothing uncustomary / To pull you off your balance.” This balanced existence, free from the pressures and expectations that come with being extraordinary, allows for a more stable and less tumultuous life.

Larkin’s wish for the child to be “dull” might initially seem unkind, but he redefines this term in a positive light: “In fact, may you be dull— / If that is what a skilled, / Vigilant, flexible, / Unemphasised, enthralled / Catching of happiness is called.” Here, “dull” is synonymous with a life that is “skilled, / Vigilant, flexible,” suggesting an ability to navigate life’s challenges with adaptability and attentiveness. Larkin argues that true happiness might lie in the simplicity and consistency of an ordinary life, where one can find joy in the everyday without the burden of exceptionalism.

The poem ultimately challenges the societal glorification of beauty, talent, and extraordinary achievements. Larkin advocates for the quiet contentment found in ordinariness, suggesting that this might be a more sustainable and genuine path to happiness. His wish for the newborn reflects a deep understanding of life’s complexities and the unpredictable nature of human existence.

In summary, Philip Larkin’s “Born Yesterday” is a thoughtful and counterintuitive blessing that values the simplicity and stability of an ordinary life over the pursuit of exceptionalism. Through his nuanced and realistic perspective, Larkin redefines what it means to wish well for someone, highlighting the virtues of balance, adaptability, and the quiet joy found in everyday experiences. The poem serves as a reminder that happiness and fulfillment are not necessarily tied to beauty or greatness but can be found in the steady, unremarkable rhythm of an ordinary life.

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