P H I L I P   L A R K I N  (1922-1985)

Since the Majority of Me

Since the majority of me 
Rejects the majority of you, 
Debating ends forthwith, and we 
Divide. And sure of what to do 

We disinfect new blocks of days 
For our majorities to rent 
With unshared friends and unwalked ways, 
But silence too is eloquent: 

A silence of minorities 
That, unopposed at last, return 
Each night with cancelled promises 
They want renewed. They never learn.

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