This 4 stanza poem by Philip Larkin uses imagery of cattle and fences to represent how experiences can limit one's senses and perspectives. Young steers represent those open to new possibilities who test boundaries, but learning boundaries' consequences through "muscle-shredding violence" transforms them into cautious old cattle with "electric limits" on their senses.
This 4 stanza poem by Philip Larkin uses imagery of cattle and fences to represent how experiences can limit one's senses and perspectives. Young steers represent those open to new possibilities who test boundaries, but learning boundaries' consequences through "muscle-shredding violence" transforms them into cautious old cattle with "electric limits" on their senses.
This 4 stanza poem by Philip Larkin uses imagery of cattle and fences to represent how experiences can limit one's senses and perspectives. Young steers represent those open to new possibilities who test boundaries, but learning boundaries' consequences through "muscle-shredding violence" transforms them into cautious old cattle with "electric limits" on their senses.