Thomas would later write up his observations into this fine, understated poem, which has since become a national favourite. The family name was Betjemann, with tw Sir John Betjeman. Sir John Betjeman - PoemHunter.com Sir John Betjeman - poems - Publication Date: 2004 Publisher: The guard of the last train puts out the light Biddy, John and me. John Betjeman was born on August 28th, 1906, near Highgate, London. His only weapons were words—the poetry for which he is best known and, even more influential, the radio talks that first made him a phenomenon. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. His father was a cabinet maker, a trade which had been in the family for several generations. Poems by Sir John Betjeman. How wrong they were. The best poems by John Betjeman – and some interesting facts about them Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984) was UK Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death, and became one of Britain’s best-loved poets of the twentieth century. Phenomenal Woman, Still I Rise, The Road Not Taken, If You Forget Me, Dreams Exclusive: read John Betjeman's unpublished poem for Isambard Kingdom Brunel Save ... Of cart or carriage, let alone a train. Metroland: three Betjeman poems. John Betjeman, ‘Baker St Station Buffet’. Poem Hunter all poems of by John Betjeman poems. He saw his country being devastated by war and progress and he waged a private war to save it. 54 poems of John Betjeman. John Betjeman looks at the Evercreech Junction to Burnham-on-Sea railway line. ... And electric trains are lighted after tea The poplars near the Stadium are trembly With their tap and tap and whispering to me, Like the sound of little breakers Spreading out along the surf-line ... John Betjeman, 1906-1984. ... 10 Great John Betjeman Poems Everyone Should Read. The poem, then, had its origins in an unexpected event, a chance occurrence, that occurred one summer’s day in 1914. How loyal were my men. Trains … Eccentric, sentimental and homespun, John Betjeman's passions were mostly self-taught.