4 Quotes & Sayings By John Betjeman

John Betjeman (1906-1984) was an English poet, broadcaster and literary critic. He was Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death. He is best known for his poetry and for his regular appearances on the BBC's arts programme "Any Questions?" and for his book series of collected poetry, Collected Poems (1950–84). Betjeman was born in Eastbourne, Sussex Read more

He was educated at Winchester College and Magdalen College, Oxford. His poems were widely admired in his lifetime and he had a reputation as a witty and urbane man of letters.

And marbled clouds go scudding by The many-steepled London sky.
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And marbled clouds go scudding by The many-steepled London sky. John Betjeman
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Late-Flowering LustMy head is bald, my breath is bad, Unshaven is my chin, I have not now the joys I had When I was young in sin. I run my fingers down your dress With brandy-certain aim And you respond to my caress And maybe feel the same. But I've a picture of my own On this reunion night, Wherein two skeletons are shewn To hold each other tight; Dark sockets look on emptiness Which once was loving-eyed, The mouth that opens for a kiss Has got no tongue inside. I cling to you inflamed with fear As now you cling to me, I feel how frail you are my dear And wonder what will be-- A week? or twenty years remain? And then--what kind of death? A losing fight with frightful pain Or a gasping fight for breath? Too long we let our bodies cling, We cannot hide disgust At all the thoughts that in us spring From this late-flowering lust. . John Betjeman
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I don't think I am any good. If I thought I was any good, I wouldn't be. John Betjeman