Loughborough Echo

Isolating with Sir John Betjeman

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When faced with any crisis we should always be prepared

To take the right precaution­s ‘gainst the threat.

So I’m locking doors and windows and I’m isolating now

For that pesky virus hasn’t got me yet. I’ve found a bar of lifebuoy and some wet wipes in a box

There’s fairy liquid somewhere ‘neath the sink

With that double pack of Andrex on the airing cupboard shelf

That should be enough ‘til summer, I would think.

The fridge is rather empty though the freezer’s nearly full

With gluten-free puff-pastry, kale and bread

There’s some kippers in there too, but I think they’re out of date

So I’ll have to raid the biscuit tin instead. I’ve got a plate of nachos and a bowl of salsa dip

And I’ve made some milky cocoa in a mug

I’m putting on my onesie-the purple fleecy one,

With the heating turned to twenty, I’ll be snug.

I’m recumbent on the sofa with some hobnobs and a gin

For I couldn’t find a single thing to cook There’s not much on the tele apart from more repeats

So I’ll settle down and try to read a book. I want a book of poetry, I’m thinking something light

For I need to raise my spirits at this time. I’m avoiding T.S.Eliot, and Larkins far too dour,

I’m just yearning for some Betjemanic rhyme With Betjeman it’s sense of place that really draws you in

Be it urban sprawl or craggy mountain peak

As the rhythm of his poetry paints pictures in my head

I’ll just relax and let the master speak. So though I’m isolating, staying in and all alone

Within a house that’s locked at every exit A daily dose of Betjeman should keep my spirits up

And at least I’ve now forgotten about Brexit

 ??  ?? ■ British poet Sir John Betjeman on the beach at Trebethwic­k, Cornwall, in October 1972, after being officially appointed the new poet laureate. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
■ British poet Sir John Betjeman on the beach at Trebethwic­k, Cornwall, in October 1972, after being officially appointed the new poet laureate. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

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