As this is a Betjeman week, I've gathered two collections of words related to the former poet-laureate. The words have been fed into word clouds which give an immediate sense of the content. The first collection is taken from five of his poems: In a Bath Teashop, Ireland with Emily, Westgate-on-Sea, Cornish Cliffs, and A Bay in Anglesey. The titles alone give you a fair idea of what the poet was about. The amalgamation of words serve as a fair guide to his mind.
The second collection of words is taken from the Wikipedia page about the poet, his life and work. There is a strong sense of place in the descriptions. I like the juxtaposition of the natural detail which stands out in the former and the man-made elements, cities and buildings, which are prominent in the second.
There's something to be said for poetry which can capture a life lived, based on keen observations from the poet. The factual summary of a life is practical but somewhat grey by comparison.
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| Grass Green Glass |
The second collection of words is taken from the Wikipedia page about the poet, his life and work. There is a strong sense of place in the descriptions. I like the juxtaposition of the natural detail which stands out in the former and the man-made elements, cities and buildings, which are prominent in the second.
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| Oxford Victorian London |
There's something to be said for poetry which can capture a life lived, based on keen observations from the poet. The factual summary of a life is practical but somewhat grey by comparison.