For Sidney Bechet

This poem reflects the jazz era and the reflection of memories. The poem is based in New Orleans the hometown of jazz composers and the era. The rhythm of this poem is very disorganised perhaps showing the music as the mixed rhythm reflects the jazz beats.

The second stanza shows the positives of New Orleans with the "balconies, flower-baskets and quadrilles" showing the beauty and romantic side of the city. Whereas the stanza after shows the dangers, "storyvilles" and girls like "circus tigers" show he see's them as animals and are dangerous to human beings. Though he seems the danger Larkin starts the stanza with enthusiasm that thing!" again symbolising the way jazz music is seen. Larkin see's jazz as happiness and a "natural noise of good" and the idea of jazz makes Larkin forget his problems of "long-haired grief and scored pity" and let him enjoy life.

Larkin uses pronouns such as 'me, my' making the poem more personal and showing his passion for music.