Larkin About: A poetic tribute

Philip Larkin lived and worked in the city from 1950 until his death in 1985

The 2nd December marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Hull poet Philip Larkin.

Widely considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, he worked as the head librarian at Hull University.

He was offered, and declined, the position of Poet Laureate in 1984.

As well as poetry Larkin wrote reviews of jazz and edited a number of poetry collections.

Hull has been commemorating him with a series off events over the last six months. There have been exhibitions, lectures, poetry performances and a sculpture trail featuring fibre-glass toads

As part of the anniversary activities BBC Humberside asked local poets to write and perform a piece about our region.

The poems are on the theme of a sense of place. Much of Larkin's work was rooted in and reflected the area.

Today's Poems

Michela Bamber

Michela is studying a course in creative writing at Hull University.

She has performed work at Hull Truck theatre as part of the Larkin 25 anniversary.

She said most of her work draws on the personal history of her family and friends.

Julie Corbett

Julie Corbett started writing poetry just 18 months ago.

She was inspired after seeing friends perform at poetry nights. She joined the Subtle Flame group in Beverley.

The poem Day Trip to Cleethorpes was written especially for the Larkin 25 commemorations. She said it echoed a lot of Larkin's work which involved journeys.

Sue Lozynskyj

A member of the Bridlington Fish, Pies and Peas poetry group.

A midwife, Sue has been writing poems for over 10 years. She said she has an interest in everyday life.

"It's kind of an unpicking of the world really. Just how it works and how we interact with it."

Catherine Scott

A Hull poet, Catherine only started writing poetry in January.

She was inspired after taking part in a poetry course run by Joe Hakim.

"It just fired up my energy, excitement and got me going on a different track."

Previous Poems

Larkin About: Weekend poems

Larkin About: Monday's poems

Larkin About: Tuesday's poems

Larkin About: Wednesday's poems