Meditation on the A30

Portrait of John Betjeman
John Betjeman 1906–1984

A man on his own in a car Is revenging himself on his wife; He open the throttle and bubbles with dottle and puffs at his pitiful life

She's losing her looks very fast, she loses her temper all day; that lorry won't let me get past, this Mini is blocking my way.

"Why can't you step on it and shift her! I can't go on crawling like this! At breakfast she said that she wished I was dead- Thank heavens we don't have to kiss.

"I'ld like a nice blonde on my knee And one who won't argue or nag. Who dares to come hooting at me? I only give way to a Jag.

"You're barmy or plastered, I'll pass you, you bastard- I will overtake you. I will!" As he clenches his pipe, his moment is ripe And the corner's accepting its kill.

Reprinted with the permission of John Murray (Publishers) Ltd.

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Alexander Bowyer16 words
  1. Alexander Bowyer United Kingdom

    does he die at the end, also can people send me notes about it thanks :D

  2. lola Australia

    doesnt the road symbolize his relationship with his wife??

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