Dear Philip,

These are dark days, Phil, dark days indeed.
The kind of darkness upon which we feed. 
Our giftwrapped muse is society's ways
And our pondering words pattern a phrase. 
For you, oft quoted, still loved and cherished, 
For me, not known or wanted 'til perished. 
And still there is inspiration in you 
Which brings me back to the pen with new view 
To create poetry that could inspire 
Others after to continue the art.
And, to all learned ones that aspire, 
I warn them not to take your words to heart 
And search beneath the surface of essence 
For burning truth and soulful quintessence.

Harrison Ford, American stage and silent movie actor, died on this day in 1957.

Philip Larkin, English poet, writer and librarian, died today in 1985.