Quotes by John Betjeman

“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.”

“I dont think I am any good. If I thought I was any good, I wouldnt be.”

“Now if the harvest is over, And the world cold, Give me the bonus of laughter, As I lose hold.”

“Silver and ermine and red faces full of port wine.”

“Miss J. Hunter Dunn, Miss J. Hunter Dunn,/ Furnishd and burnishd by Aldershot sun.”

“But Im dying now and done for, / What on earth was all the fun for? / For Im old and ill and terrified and tight.”

“The Churchs Restoration / In eighteen-eighty-three / Has left for contemplation / Not what there used to be.”

“Phone for the fish-knives, Norman, / As Cook is a little unnerved; / You kiddies have crumpled the serviettes / And I must have things daintily served.”

“Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough. / It isnt fit for humans now.”

“Peoples backyards are much more interesting than their front gardens, and houses that back on to railways are public benefactors.”

And marbled clouds go scudding byThe many-steepled London sky.

Late-Flowering LustMy head is bald, my breath is bad,Unshaven is my chin,I have not now the joys I hadWhen I was young in sin.I run my fingers down your dressWith brandy-certain aimAnd you respond to my caressAnd maybe feel the same.But Ive a picture of my ownOn this reunion night,Wherein two skeletons are shewnTo hold each other tight;Dark sockets look on emptinessWhich once was loving-eyed,The mouth that opens for a kissHas got no tongue inside.I cling to you inflamed with fearAs now you cling to me,I feel how frail you are my dearAnd wonder what will be--A week? or twenty years remain?And then--what kind of death?A losing fight with frightful painOr a gasping fight for breath?Too long we let our bodies cling,We cannot hide disgustAt all the thoughts that in us springFrom this late-flowering lust.

I dont think I am any good. If I thought I was any good, I wouldnt be.