Analysing ideas of time and loss of innocence in Larkin's 'Afternoons'

Larkin presents the young couples as having lost their youthfulness as a result of having children. Larkin arguably presents the responsibility of having a child as burdensome in the poem. The title could reflect that these couples are in the 'afternoon' of their lives, creating a pitiful tone. Larkin uses contrasting tones in the first stanza, perhaps to reflect the expectation vs the reality of having a child. Larkin’s ominous and, at times, foreboding tone could represent time creeping up on the young couples.