Larkin and Abse- Poems about belief and religion

In most Larkin poems ideas are expressed implicitly, through the scenes and situations presented in each poem. There are, however, a few poems where a philosophical speculation or comment is more direct and explicit. These poems tend to be concise. They contain big generalisations and tend to leave out the density of detail seen more typically in Larkin e.g. in "Days" and "Nothing to be Said".

Days- the questions suggest the pointlessness of existence- life becomes a dull cycle of repetition (the wake us/ Time and time over). Simple language is used throughout and almost a childlike, questioning tone.The "priest" and "doctor" are concerned with the real problems of mortality with the health and survival of the soul or body, and with death itself. The active verb "Running" creates a sense of urgency in the poem and reminds us of time and mortality always moving on…