Philip Larkin — Kick up the fire and let the flames break loose

Kick up the fire, and let the flames break loose To drive the shadows back; Prolong the talk on this or that excuse, Till the night comes to rest While some high bell is beating two o'clock. Yet when the guest Has stepped into the windy street, and gone, Who can confront The instantaneous grief of being alone? Or watch the sad increase Across the mind of this prolific plant, Dumb idleness?