In Westminster Abbey

John Betjeman

 Let me take this other glove off
   As the vox humana swells,
 And the beauteous fields of Eden
   Bask beneath the Abbey bells.
 Here, where England's statesmen lie,
 Listen to a lady's cry.

 Gracious Lord, oh bomb the Germans.
   Spare their women for Thy Sake,
 And if that is not too easy
   We will pardon Thy Mistake.
 But, gracious Lord, whate'er shall be,
 Don't let anyone bomb me.

 Keep our Empire undismembered
   Guide our Forces by Thy Hand,
 Gallant blacks from far Jamaica,
   Honduras and Togoland;
 Protect them Lord in all their fights,
 And, even more, protect the whites.

 Think of what our Nation stands for,
   Books from Boots and country lanes,
 Free speech, free passes, class distinction,
   Democracy and proper drains.
 Lord, put beneath Thy special care
 One-eighty-nine Cadogan Square.

 Although dear Lord I am a sinner,
   I have done no major crime;
 Now I'll come to Evening Service
   Whensoever I have the time.
 So, Lord, reserve for me a crown.
 And do not let my shares go down.

 I will labour for Thy Kingdom,
   Help our lads to win the war,
 Send white flowers to the cowards
   Join the Women's Army Corps,
 Then wash the Steps around Thy Throne
 In the Eternal Safety Zone.

 Now I feel a little better,
   What a treat to hear Thy word,
 Where the bones of leading statesmen,
   Have so often been interr'd.
 And now, dear Lord, I cannot wait
 Because I have a luncheon date.

Commentary

I don’t want to run down patriotism, or the giving of charity - both are always needed. But I have my suspicions - to the point of rather retching - at the quick and easy way patriotism is quickly taken up by people, and just as quickly dropped (except where required for electoral purposes). About Betjeman no info at hand, and I know there’s tons, about his Poet Laureateship, and his public image and more, but am too lazy to go rooting for it at the moment.

— Vikram

PS. Bio: poem #543 - t.


The Wondering Minstrels, poem #613 · 20 November 2000

Guest poem submitted by Vikram Doctor

Fair use