The Quiet Ones

Stevie was never in Pop
she was in Palmer's Green
her secludedness didn't stop
how can I say what I mean?
She didn't socialize
she didn't play fast and loose
really I suppose what I mean
is she was a sort-of
sort-of recluse.

Larkin lay hidden in Hull
with the grim head-scarved wives
he liked it backward and dull
with the unflamboyant lives.
There's a lot to be said for a bard
who doesn't spread it around
that's what I'm saying now
it's best to be foxlike and go
go to ground.
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