John Betjeman

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

Silver and ermine and red faces full of port wine.

Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not a necessity like petrol. But to me it's the oil of life.

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

I don't think I am any good. If I thought I was any good, I wouldn't be.

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

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