Firsts Quote by John Betjeman

It's strange that those we miss the most Are those we take for granted.

— John Betjeman

Hymns are the poetry of the people.

— John Betjeman

I ought to warn you that my verse is of no interest to people who can think.

— John Betjeman

What the Londoner sees in his mind’s eye is that cluster of towers and pinnacles seen from Pentonville Hill and outlined against a foggy…

— John Betjeman

People's backyards are much more interesting than their front gardens, and houses that back on to railways are public benefactors.

— John Betjeman

Oh! full Surrey twilight! importunate band! Oh! strongly adorable tennis-girl's hand!

— John Betjeman

“Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough! It isn't fit for humans now, There isn't grass to graze a cow. Swarm over, Death!”

— John Betjeman

A whispering and watery Norfolk sound Telling of all the moonlit reeds around.

— John Betjeman

Oh Wasn't it naughty of Smudges? Oh, Mummy, I'm sick with disgust. She threww me in front of the judges, And my silly old…

— John Betjeman

“And marbled clouds go scudding by The many-steepled London sky.”

— John Betjeman

And behind their frail partitions Business women lie and soak, Seeing through the draughty skylight Flying clouds and railway smoke. Rest you there, poor…

— John Betjeman

I have a Vision of the Future, chum. The workers flats in fields of soya beans tower up like silver pencils, score on score.

— John Betjeman