None of the Books Have Time

‘None of the books have time’ is a poem by Philip Larkin.

None of the books have time
To say how being selfless feels,
They make it sound a superior way
Of getting what you want. It isn’t at all.

Selflessness is like waiting in a hospital
In a badly-fitting suit on a cold wet morning.
Selfishness is like listening to good jazz
With drinks for further orders and a huge fire.

1 January 1960