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A poem on John Betjemen's anniversary 19 May 2024 (40 yrs since his death)

Trey

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Thank you, Mr Betjemen


A simple man (of human unpretentiousness) -

who wore his trousers out his welly leg

and belted with a tie

and fastened by string a button-hungry raincoat,

looked out off the Cornish shore

darkened of door by row upon row of invading tourist caravans

parading, as mercenaries await the cry to charge -

and remarked, relieved, 'They can't build on the sea.'
 
I really liked Betjemen.

You've caught his quirkiness here beautifully.
 
Thank you, Mr Betjemen


A simple man (of human unpretentiousness) -

who wore his trousers out his welly leg

and belted with a tie

and fastened by string a button-hungry raincoat,

looked out off the Cornish shore

darkened of door by row upon row of invading tourist caravans

parading, as mercenaries await the cry to charge -

and remarked, relieved, 'They can't build on the sea.'
I was inspired by a biographical programme about JB on the tv last night with Rick Stein. My last quote is taken from one of JB’s poems. BTW, there are more progs on tonight x
 
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