The poem
Gaily into Ruislip Gardens Runs the red electric train, With a thousand Ta's and Pardon's Daintily alights Elaine; Hurries down the concrete station With a frown of concentration, Out into the outskirt's edges Where a few surviving hedges Keep alive our lost Elysium - rural Middlesex again.
Well cut Windsmoor flapping lightly, Jacqmar scarf of mauve and green Hiding hair which, Friday nightly, Delicately drowns in Dreen; Fair Elaine the bobby-soxer, Fresh-complexioned with Innoxa, Gains the garden - father's hobby - Hangs her Windsmoor in the lobby, Settles down to sandwich supper and the television screen.
Gentle Brent, I used to know you Wandering Wembley-wards at will, Now what change your waters show you In the meadowlands you fill! Recollect the elm-trees misty And the footpaths climbing twisty Under cedar-shaded palings, Low laburnum-leaned-on railings Out of Northolt on and upward to the heights of Harrow hill.
Parish of enormous hayfields Perivale stood all alone, And from Greenford scent of mayfields Most enticingly was blown Over market gardens tidy, Taverns for the bona fide, Cockney anglers, cockney shooters, Murray Poshes, Lupin Pooters, Long in Kensal Green and Highgate silent under soot and stone.
Reprinted with the permission of John Murray (Publishers) Ltd.
Who are these 'Cockney singers'? Shouldn't they be'Cockney anglers'?
I love this poem; agreat satire on middle-class surburban life
Middlesex
How long will "Drene", "Innoxa", and even "Windsmoor" and "Jaqumar" continue to mean anything to readers? How perfectly Betjeman captures the early days of suburbia in the first 2 verses, and then how effectively changes the tone to nostalgia,seemingly without any real change in style. This is a perfect example of his sheer mastery of the English language and how it can be used to perfection.
Two errors -
“Cockney singers” should be “Cockney anglers”
“Kelsal Green” should be “Kensal Green”
Noted, thanks!
Noted, and corrected - 21 years after your input. Thanks!