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"Teddy Bear to the Nation"

© Greg Wadden

Here at Suite101.com, our Coronation Street Poetry Contest is well underway. There haven't been very many entries to date, but I expect that's because you're all waiting until the deadline approaches (July 1st) or you're else you're still waiting for inspiration. So, I thought I'd give you some. I'd like to talk about one of the show's greatest and most accomplished fans, Sir John Betjeman.

"Perhaps the most unlikely visitor The Street ever had was the late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman. He was the most enthusiastic person we ever had in the studio, clapping his hands with childish delight and exclaiming, 'I can't believe I'm actually here!' Apparently, he was specially fond of 'Hilda and her ghastly husband' and insisted on being photographed with them."
Jean Alexander - The Other Side of the Street (1989)

By all accounts, Sir John was a witty and charming man, beloved not only for his poetry, but also as a television presenter and as a warm-hearted man of the people. The Times of London once hailed thusly: "By appointment: Teddy Bear to the Nation." For more on his life, visit Metroland, a beautiful website that carries on the themes Sir John explored in a television documentary.

Much of his poetry celebrated the English countryside and poked gentle fun at his countrymen. His warmth and humour always shines through the verse. Here are a few excerpts just to give you a taste:

From "Diary of a Church Mouse":

Here among long-discarded cassocks,
Damp stools, and half-split open hassocks,
Here where the vicar never looks
I nibble through old service books.
Lean and alone I spend my days
Behind this Church of England baize.
I share my dark forgotten room
With two oil-lamps and half a broom.
The cleaner never bothers me,
So here I eat my frugal tea.

From "How to Get on in Society":

Now here is a fork for your pastries
And do use the couch for your feet;
I know that I wanted to ask you-
Is trifle sufficient for sweet?

"The Last Laugh"

I made hay while the sun shone.
My work sold.
Now, if the harvest is over
And the world cold,
Give me the bonus of laughter
As I lose hold.

There are a few dozen more of his poems on a wonderful website devoted to English poetry, called "vers libre". Here's the page featuring John Betjeman's verse, just scroll down a bit when you get there. Actually, I recommend that you take some time to explore the entire site (then sit yourself down and write your own Corrie poem and submit it to our contest!).

The copyright of the article "Teddy Bear to the Nation" in Coronation Street is owned by Greg Wadden. Permission to republish "Teddy Bear to the Nation" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.