It's written in iambic tetrameter, (tetra=4) of two syllables, with the stress on the second of each syllable pair. Each syllable pair makes up what's known as a ''foot'' and four feet make up the line. So it has a familiar ''meter'', i.e. Dee-DAH, Dee-DAH, Dee-DAH, Dee-DAH. Otherwise, for me, it's of little merit.
Larkin would have been considered a lucky man by most people. He had a good education, a job as a librarian that allowed him the time he needed for his verse, and, although he never married, plenty of girlfriends.
I don't believe his parents mucked him up. Perhaps he just needed a course of anti-depressants
Have to agree with you saxy....I've always liked this poem for what it stands for and it's truth. Nothing will stop the rot it will just go on forever methinks.