Subscribe: by Email | in Reader

The Explosion -- Philip Larkin

Proceeding with the mining disaster theme, here's a guest poem submitted
independently by Mike Christie and
Ameya Nagarajan
(Poem #1387) The Explosion
 On the day of the explosion
 Shadows pointed towards the pithead:
 In the sun the slagheap slept.

 Down the lane came men in pitboots
 Coughing oath-edged talk and pipe-smoke,
 Shouldering off the freshened silence.

 One chased after rabbits; lost them;
 Came back with a nest of lark's eggs;
 Showed them; lodged them in the grasses.

 So they passed in beards and moleskins,
 Fathers, brothers, nicknames, laughter,
 Through the tall gates standing open.

 At noon, there came a tremor; cows
 Stopped chewing for a second; sun,
 Scarfed as in a heat-haze, dimmed.

 The dead go on before us, they
 Are sitting in God's house in comfort,
 We shall see them face to face -

 Plain as lettering in the chapels
 It was said, and for a second
 Wives saw men of the explosion

 Larger than in life they managed -
 Gold as on a coin, or walking
 Somehow from the sun towards them,

 One showing the eggs unbroken.
-- Philip Larkin
Note: the sixth verse ("The dead go on . . . ") should be in italics.

[Mike's commentary]

I've liked the two poems people sent in about mining disasters: I wanted to
add this one to the list.  It's long been one of my favourite Larkin poems.
It manages to be powerfully moving without being sentimental; the last image,
of the men somehow expanding and disappearing away from this mortal world, as
the wives understand they are dead, is one of my favourite images in all of
poetry.

Mike Christie

[Ameya's commentary]

All these mining poems reminded me of larkin, what I like about this poem is
that it focuses on the life of the miners and thus highlights even more the
tragedy of their death.

The saddest image is the one conjured by "Gold as on a coin" because it
implies the miners are worth more to their families after death because of
compensation, an amount of money that their labour could never provide.

Ameya

83 comments: ( or Leave a comment )

Ian Baillieu said...

For such a serious and tragic subject, I find it odd and
unfortunate that Larkin chose to use a rhythm now forever
associated with Longfellow's oft-parodied 'Hiawatha'. The
2nd, 3rd and 4th stanzas especially.

Gregory Hyde said...

Just having re-read Larkin's poem "The Explosion" I was interested to read
any comments your site might have. In reaction to Mike Christie's comments,
I rather think that the husbands of the wives are moving "towards them" as
the poem states, instead of "somehow expanding and disappearing away from
this mortal world." In fact, one of them even shows to them "the eggs
unbroken"-- an indication that the poem suggests the relationship between
the men who died in the mining disaster and those left behind is not
unbroken--that there is new life. "For a second" the wives have a vision
that implies their husbands still remain connected to them. Ameya's
comments interpreting the phrase "Gold as on a coin," as referring to the
compensation the wives received from the mining company on the death of
their husbands, I think are off. I see the phrase is tied to the previous
line which states that in response to the words heard during the Church
service, the wives saw the lives of their husbands as larger, more
meaningful and of value, than their low-status occupation as miners might
suggest. What strikes me most about this poem is that the author, who in so
many of his other poems expresses doubts about any hereafter, here in the
last poem of the last book of poetry he published, expresses a more
ambiguous attitude towards a continued existence after death. Of course, one
can argue that he is merely speaking of the way people of faith might feel
about the question--the wives attending their husbands' funerals-- but I
suspect the author may be reaching beyond what he wrote in some of his
previous poems to express a faith of his own.

Invertir en oro said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about information and love learning more on this.

Inversiones en petroleo said...

Hello friend, I read your post and it seems very interesting, I wish we were in touch, too, can visit my site

Anonymous said...

Hi, There's no doubt that your website could possibly be having internet browser compatibility issues. Whenever I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping
issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Other than that, wonderful website!
My web-site : Free Annual Credit Report

Anonymous said...

Thanks for some other excellent article. The place else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal manner
of writing? I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such information.

Here is my blog post coral shop

Anonymous said...

Hiya! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my apple iphone. I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be
able to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please
share. With thanks!

Here is my blog post custom golf balls

Anonymous said...

Good day! I could have sworn I've been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
Anyhow, I'm definitely glad I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back often!


Also visit my web page :: youtube.com

Anonymous said...

I do not know if it's just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your website. It appears as though some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too? This might be a issue with my browser because I've had
this happen before. Many thanks

Feel free to visit my page :: St Cloud Flowers
My webpage :: St Cloud Wedding Flowers

Anonymous said...

I am not sure the place you are getting your info, but good topic.

I needs to spend a while studying more or
figuring out more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be in search of this
info for my mission.

my web site :: aquarium store

Anonymous said...

Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google,
and found that it is truly informative. I'm going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate
if you continue this in future. Lots of people will
be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Also visit my web page; Chicken Wings

Anonymous said...

It is not my first time to visit this web page, i am visiting this web site dailly and get
nice data from here every day.

Feel free to surf to my website; lost golf balls free shipping coupon code

Anonymous said...

First of all I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.

I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin.
Any suggestions or hints? Thanks!

Here is my webpage ... http://www.rcreducation.com
my web site > golf balls best value

Anonymous said...

Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in
the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!

Stop by my site electric furnace repair

Anonymous said...

Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I'm thinking about setting up my own but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? With thanks

Also visit my weblog: mobile home repair manual

Anonymous said...

Right now it seems like BlogEngine is the top
blogging platform available right now. (from what I've read) Is that what you're using
on your blog?

My web blog; Plano furnace repair

Anonymous said...

I have gone ahead and included a backlink back to your internet site from one of my clientele requesting it.

We have used your web page URL: http://www.blogger.com/comment.
g?blogID=3138327498205434204&postID=5515683547964555578 and blog title: Blogger:
The Wondering Minstrels to ensure you get the proper anchor text.
If you woud like to see where your website link has been placed, please email me at:
doraland@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Look into my weblog :: mobile home roof repair

Anonymous said...

Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm
not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Kudos!

my weblog; Orlanso Sushi Restaurant

Anonymous said...

I rarely drop comments, but i did some searching and wound up here "The Explosion -- Philip Larkin".

And I actually do have a couple of questions for you if it's allright. Could it be just me or does it look like some of these comments come across like left by brain dead folks? :-P And, if you are writing on additional social sites, I would like to keep up with anything new you have to post. Would you make a list of all of all your social pages like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

my web page ... Hunters Creek Sushi

Anonymous said...

Greetings! My spouse and I frequently publish guest articles for other weblog owners to help gain exposure to our
work, as well as provide superb content to site owners.
It truly is a win win situation! If you are interested feel free to email me at:
kayleehallman@gmail.com so we can communicate further. Kudos!


Also visit my web blog - fashionable raincoats boots umbrellas
my website: leather gym bags

Anonymous said...

My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find
almost all of your post's to be what precisely I'm looking for.

can you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn't mind writing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome website!

Visit my site ... workout gear for less

Anonymous said...

Hello. I noticed your site title, "Blogger: The Wondering Minstrels" does not really reflect the content
of your web page. When writing your website title, do you think it's best to write it for SEO or for your audience? This is one thing I've been battling
with because I want good search rankings but at the
same time I want the best quality for my site visitors.


My web-site; exercises for flabby arms for women

Anonymous said...

When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added"
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with the same comment.

Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Cheers!

my web page ... fitness dvd sales

Anonymous said...

I love reading through an article that can make people think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

Here is my web-site: right kidney pain relief

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that's both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the
nail on the head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
Now i'm very happy I found this during my search for something relating to this.

my blog post :: athletic trainer salary

Anonymous said...

Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us useful information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!

Feel free to visit my site: gantzvang25.bravejournal.com

Anonymous said...

A motivating discussion is worth comment. There's no doubt that that you ought to write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people do not talk about these issues. To the next! Cheers!!

Also visit my blog post Golf Galaxy.Com

Anonymous said...

Incredible! I'm really enjoying the style and design of your weblog. Are you using a customized template or is this readily available to all individuals? If you do not want to say the name of it out in the general public, please be sure to email me at: robertaspurgeon@gmail.com. I'd absolutely
love to get my hands on this theme! Bless you.


my site: www.theieee.gr

Anonymous said...

Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words
in your article seem to be running off the screen in Internet
explorer. I'm not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I'd post to let
you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon.

Cheers

Review my homepage ... Www.Mesh-Project.Org

Anonymous said...

Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard
work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to
stop hackers?

Also visit my web blog; android watches phone

Anonymous said...

It's a pity you don't have a donate button! I'd most certainly donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this
website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!


Also visit my homepage: blurty.com

Anonymous said...

Hello! I've been reading your weblog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!

my web page ... plumbing zones

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post's to be precisely what I'm looking for.

can you offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn't mind publishing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome web log!

Here is my webpage http://www.avespatagonia.com.ar/

Anonymous said...

I have gone ahead and added a link back to your internet site from one of my clients requesting it.
I've used your blog URL: http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3138327498205434204&postID=5515683547964555578 and blog title: Blogger: The Wondering Minstrels to assure you get the correct anchor text. If you woud like to see where your link has been placed, please contact me at: roberto.mccord@whale-mail.com. Appreciate it

my web blog: corporate housing nyc upper west side

Anonymous said...

I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever
work and reporting! Keep up the good works guys I've included you guys to blogroll.

Here is my site ... investment property mortgage lenders

Anonymous said...

Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you're using? I'm going to start my own blog in the near future
but I'm having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm
looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!


my blog post - wireless internet card for laptops verizon

Anonymous said...

Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance
from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I'm thinking about making my own
but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Cheers

Look into my page :: digital image processing gonzalez ebook

Anonymous said...

Howdy. I am wondering if you would be interested in doing a website link exchange?
I see your website: http://www.blogger.com/comment.

g?blogID=3138327498205434204&postID=5515683547964555578 and my website are based mostly around the same subject matter.
I'd really like to switch links or possibly guest author a write-up for you. Here is my personal e-mail: florencia.slaughter@gawab.com. Please contact me if you're even remotely interested.
Thank you.

my weblog; frigidaire appliance repair help

Anonymous said...

Thanks for another informative web site. The place else may just I
am getting that type of info written in such a perfect manner?
I have a challenge that I am just now working on, and I've been at the look out for such information.

Look into my page lower back pain treatment patients

Anonymous said...

An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little homework on this.
And he actually bought me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him.

.. lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for
the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about
this issue here on your internet site.

Check out my blog post; http://www.ecarnegietech.com/businesses/31780824-florida-spine-and-rehab-center-winter-park-florida-32792

Kowalski Brothers said...

I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this.
Roof Repair Towson MD

Anonymous said...

Having read this I thought it was rather informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article together.

I once again find myself spending way too much time both
reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!


Feel free to surf to my site; drupal6.livewellclinic.com.au

Anonymous said...

Somebody essentially assist to make seriously
articles I might state. This is the first time I
frequented your website page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this actual submit
incredible. Fantastic job!

My homepage - materialisticva67.webs.com

Anonymous said...

Heya! I know this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does operating a well-established website such as yours take a massive amount work?
I'm brand new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary on a daily basis. I'd like to start a blog so I can share my experience and views online.
Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or
tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

Here is my blog post :: attorney web site design

Anonymous said...

Wow, superb weblog layout! How long have you ever
been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy.
The entire glance of your web site is excellent, let alone the content!



Feel free to surf to my webpage :: personal injury attorney

Anonymous said...

Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site so i came to “return the
favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my web site!

I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

My site; kitchen appliances india price list

Anonymous said...

Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?

I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

My homepage large appliances stores

Anonymous said...

Hi! I've been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic job!

Feel free to visit my web page appliance repair service :: www.purevolume.com ::

Anonymous said...

Iím not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really
nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later. Cheers

my site refrigerator repair

Anonymous said...

Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by
chance (stumbleupon). I've bookmarked it for later!

Here is my weblog; mizuno golf clubs 2013 ()

plastik vacuum said...

A great blog to add to our knowledge, keep writing
By :
mesin kemas plastik vacuum

Unknown said...

I see the greatest contents on your blog and I absolutely love reading them.
Safelink wireless

Anonymous said...

"It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to came here! Thanks for sharing the such information with us. www.travelallaroundtheworld.com |

www.bbs-businessschool.com |

www.learniteducationservices.com |

www.feshionhouse.com |

www.homesbymaryanngraboyes.com |

Anonymous said...

"Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. "theweddingpaperdivas |

bigeasyweddings |

indieweddings |

phillywedding |

tylerscottwedding |

tylerscottweddings |

liveweddingband |

weddingsamui |

wedding-bliss |

weddingfresno |

John said...

The modern foreign exchange market began to start in 1970. After 30 years, Governments created restrictions in forex market transactions

Anonymous said...

I want you to thank for your time of this wonderful read!!! I definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog.www.plumlivinghealth.org |

www.provitalhealth.org |

www.northernhealthplan.org |

www.oralhealthexam.org |

www.cwyzehealth.org |

www.cwyzehealthcare.org |

www.healthykskids.org |

www.biohealthchip.org |

www.meridianwomenhealth.org |

www.heroeshealthproject.org |

Anonymous said...

nice
mengobati kutil di kelamin
mengobati kutil kelamin
pengobatan kutil di kelamin
mengobati kutil di kelamin yg ampuh
mengobati kutil di kelamin yang mujarab
apa obat sakit sipilis
obat sakit sipilis
pengobatan sakit sipilis
apa obat sakit sipilis itu
obat untuk sakit sipilis
obat ambeyen stadium 1
obat ambeyen stadium 2
obat ambeyen stadium 3
obat ambeyen stadium 4
pengobatan ambeyen stadium 1
obat kutil di kemaluan yg bagus
obat kutil di kemaluan yang bagus
pengobatan kutil di kemaluan yg bagus
obat kutil di kemaluan yg bagus dan aman
pengobatan kutil di kemaluan yg bagus dan aman
obat kutil kelamin atau kutil di kemaluan yg ampuh
obat kutil kelamin atau kutil di kemaluan
obat kutil kelamin atau kutil di kemaluan ampuh
obat kutil kelamin yg ampuh
obat kutil di kemaluan yg ampuh
obat kutil di kemaluan alami tanpa operasi
obat kutil kemaluan alami tanpa operasi
obat kutil di kemaluan tanpa operasi
pengobatan kutil di kemaluan alami tanpa operasi
pengobatan kutil kemaluan alami tanpa operasi
obat oles kutil kelamin kutil kelamin
obat oles kutil kelamin atau kutil kemaluan
pengobatan oles kutil kelamin kutil kelamin
pengobatan oles kutil kelamin
pengobatan oles kutil kelamin atau kutil kelamin
apa obat wasir yg bagus?
apa obat wasir yg bagus dan ampuh?
apa obat wasir yg ampuh?
apa obat wasir yg bagus dan alami?
apa obat wasir yg alami?
obat ambeyen atau wasir yang paling ampuh
obat ambeyen atau wasir yang paling ampuh dan mujarab
obat ambeyen atau wasir yang ampuh
obat wasir yang paling ampuh
obat ambeyen yang paling ampuh

jhoney said...

You produce a great point in your own final paragraph. We couldn’t agree more together with your points. In today’s modern world, your approach to this issue is lacking in todabuy facebook fans
y’s kids. We need to ensure that our kids find out more on this topic so we nev

MySaudiJobs said...

I really like Your website, I have added it to favorites. This post is awesome thanks for sharig the post.
mysaudijobs

Jobs-In-Riyadh

Jobs In Jeddah

Electrical Engineer Jobs in Saudi

Arabia

Amad Arsal said...

Thanks for the valuable insights. I have bookmarked the page and i find it very useful for me.

TheNethawks
quotedpictures
Solutiondots
nadeemkhawar
mysaudijobs

mical3211 said...

These technologies can make life easier, can let us touch people we might not otherwise. You may have a child with a birth defect and be able to get in touch with other parents and support groups, get medical information, the latest experimental drugs. These things can profoundly influence life. I'm not downplaying that.
xanax online

Anonymous said...

good
Mengobati sakit Kutil di Sekitar Kemaluan
Kutil di Sekitar Kemaluan
Mengobati Kutil di Kemaluan
Mengobati Kutil di Sekitar Kelamin
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
cara Mengobati Ambeien
cara Ampuh Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
cara alami Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar
Cara Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
Cara Mengobati Ambeien Luar
Cara Alami Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar
Cara Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Dalam
Cara Mengobati Ambeien Dalam
Cara Ampuh Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Dalam
Cara Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Parah
Cara Mengobati Ambeien Parah
Cara Alami Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Parah
Pengobatan Kanker
Obat Penyakit Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Kanker
Pengobatan Ampuh Penyakit Kanker
Pengobatan Ampuh Kanker
Pengobatan Kanker
Pengobatan Alami sakit Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Penyakit Kanker
Pengobatan Penyakit Kanker
Pengobatan Alami untuk Penyakit Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Penyakit Kanker serviks
Pengobatan Alami Kanker
Cara Pengobatan Kanker
Cara Pengobatan Ampuh Kanker
Cara Pengobatan Alami untuk Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Kanker yang sudah Parah
Pengobatan Alami Kanker
Pengobatan Alami Kanker yang Parah
Pengobatan Ampuh Kanker Parah
mengobati penyakit ambeien luar secara alami
cara mengobati penyakit ambeien luar
cara mengobati ambeien luar secara alami
cara mengobati penyakit ambeyen luar secara alami
Cara Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar Secara Alami
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar Secara Alami
Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar
Cara Alami Mengobati Penyakit Ambeien Luar Secara Alami

Rightjobs.pk said...

This is my 1st visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a communit
the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.

alicetaylor said...

On the day of the explosion Shadows pointed towards the pithead

download hotstar apkxyz

Anonymous said...

Hey All,
If you want to write a Blog Post and learn new things about blogging you must go to the below Link :
Russian Fashion blogger in New York

Blogadviser365

Anonymous said...

Hey All,
If you want to write a Blog Post and learn new things about blogging you must go to the below Link :
Blogadviser365

Post a Comment