John Betjeman: Collected Poems

I tried very hard to build up some enthusiasm for this collection. Betjeman has long been one of the most loved and popular of English poets. But I found the light verse too light, and the precise description of English landscape uncorrelated with some higher moral and spiritual vision as for instance in Wordsworth. Not my cup of tea, but this does not mean that it is not a good brew for those who enjoy an intelligent rhyming perceptiveness, a humorous at times wistfully imaginative view of the world. Because my review is I think gives a poor description of Betjeman's poem I will bring an example , so that the reader of this review will at last have a ' feel' of what the work is. 14 November 1973 Hundreds of birds in the air And millions of leaves on the pavement, And Westminster bells ringing on To palace and people outside- And for all the words,' I will' To love's most willing enslavement, All of our people rejoice With venturous bridegroom and bride. Trumpets blare at the entrance, Multitudes crane and sway Glow, white lily in London, You are high in our hearts today!