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

[Trey]

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.'

 

[Jonny]

I really liked Betjemen.

You've caught his quirkiness here beautifully.

 

[Peyton Stafford]

Lovely, could you give me a link to the story?

 

[Trey]

Lovely, could you give me a link to the story?

No story, only a poem.

 

[Trey]

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