John Betjeman
John Betjeman
Sir John Betjeman, CBEwas an English poet, writer, and broadcaster who described himself in Who's Who as a "poet and hack". He was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth28 August 1906
passion past thinking
And I think it was the outline of that church tower at Belaugh against the sky which gave me a passion for churches so that every church I've past since I've wanted to stop and look in.
loneliness lying clouds
And behind their frail partitions Business women lie and soak, Seeing through the draughty skylight Flying clouds and railway smoke. Rest you there, poor unbelov'd ones, Lap your loneliness in heat, All too soon the tiny breakfast, Trolley-bus and windy street!
simple hymns two
There are two thing you need for a jolly good hymn.The first is a set of words that expresses the mood or sentiment of the worshipper.The second-and perhaps even more important- is a good tune..with a simple popular melody.
mistake bombs sake
Gracious Lord, oh bomb the Germans. Spare their women for Thy Sake, And if that is not too easy, We will pardon Thy Mistake. But, gracious Lord, whate'er shall be, Don't let anyone bomb me.
visions-of-the-future towers fields
I have a Vision of the Future, chum. The workers flats in fields of soya beans tower up like silver pencils, score on score.
surprise mark verses
One mark of good verse is surprise
hymns people
Hymns are the poetry of the people.
whispering reeds sound
A whispering and watery Norfolk sound Telling of all the moonlit reeds around.
majesty delight norfolk
I am still reeling with delight at the soaring majesty of Norfolk.
rewards crowns lord
Lord, reserve for me a crown, And do not let my shares go down.
approval belief vow
Approval of what is approved of Is as false as a well-kept vow.
rivers house church
Ludlow....is probably the loveliest town in England with its hill of Georgian houses ascending from the river Teme to the great tower of the cross-shaped church, rising behind a classic market building.
hymns tunes folks
Hymn tunes are the nearest we've got to English folk music..
english-poet faces full port
Silver and ermine and red faces full of port wine.