In the first stanza, Larkin expresses his loneliness as he's 'Lonely in Ireland, since it was not home.' He feels like an outsider as the 'strangeness made sense' suggesting that nothing was familiar to him, the strangeness of the place was normal to him. 'Salt rebuff of speech' is relating to the harsh Irish accent which the poet finds hard to understand. However, a paradox is used in the first stanza as it 'made [him] welcome' which suggests Larkin liked being different as it made him feel more at ease.
'Their draughty streets'
Within the second stanza, a description of Ireland is given in a negative light. Larkin describes the 'draughty streets' and the 'Archaic smell of dockland, like a stable' which makes the place appear unpleasant and ghastly. Larkin then uses the word 'dwindling' which gives the impression of isolation.
'Living in England has no such excuse'
In the final stanza, the poet talks about his hometown which is England. Even though England is home to Larkin, he has no 'excuse' not to fit in because he knows the 'establishments' and how he should act. However, the last line 'Here no elsewhere underwrites my existence' suggests that he loves his hometown, but he has to conform to the norms of society. Unlike in Ireland, where he can be himself.
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