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.

- John Betjeman

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

- John Betjeman

It's strange that those we miss the most Are those we take for granted.

- John Betjeman

History must not be written with bias, and both sides must be given, even if there is only one side.

- John Betjeman

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

- John Betjeman

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

- John Betjeman

On out deathbeds we're not going to regret all the work we didn't do. We're going to regret all the sex we didn't have!

- John Betjeman

And now, dear Lord, I cannot wait Because I have a luncheon date.

- John Betjeman

I have a Vision of the Future, chum. The workers flats in fields of soya beans tower up like silver pencils, score on score.

- John Betjeman