Let me take this other glove off <br />As the vox humana swells, <br />And the beauteous fields of Eden <br />Bask beneath the Abbey bells. <br />Here, where England's statesmen lie, <br />Listen to a lady's cry. <br /> <br />Gracious Lord, oh bomb the Germans, <br />Spare their women for Thy Sake, <br />And if that is not too easy <br />We will pardon Thy Mistake. <br />But, gracious Lord, whate'er shall be, <br />Don't let anyone bomb me. <br /> <br />Keep our Empire undismembered <br />Guide our Forces by Thy Hand, <br />Gallant blacks from far Jamaica, <br />Honduras and Togoland; <br />Protect them Lord in all their fights, <br />And, even more, protect the whites. <br /> <br />Think of what our Nation stands for, <br />Books from Boots' and country lanes, <br />Free speech, free passes, class distinction, <br />Democracy and proper drains. <br />Lord, put beneath Thy special care <br />One-eighty-nine Cadogan Square. <br /> <br />Although dear Lord I am a sinner, <br />I have done no major crime; <br />Now I'll come to Evening Service <br />Whensoever I have the time. <br />So, Lord, reserve for me a crown, <br />And do not let my shares go down. <br /> <br />I will labour for Thy Kingdom, <br />Help our lads to win the war, <br />Send white feathers to the cowards <br />Join the Women's Army Corps, <br />Then wash the steps around Thy Throne <br />In the Eternal Safety Zone. <br /> <br />Now I feel a little better, <br />What a treat to hear Thy Word, <br />Where the bones of leading statesmen <br />Have so often been interr'd. <br />And now, dear Lord, I cannot wait <br />Because I have a luncheon date.<br /><br />John Betjeman<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-westminster-abbey-2/
