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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
HOW TO GET ON IN SOCIETY, by JOHN BETJEMAN Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Phone for the fish-knives, norman Last Line: With afternoon tea-cake and scones. Subject(s): Etiquette; Manners; Courtesy | |||
Phone for the fish knives Norman, As cook is a little unnerved; Your kiddies have crumpled the serviettes And I must have things daintily served. Are the requisites all in the toilet? The frills round the cutlets can wait Till the girl has replenished the cruets And switched on the logs in the grate. It's ever so close in the lounge dear, But the vestibule's comfy for tea, And Howard is out riding on horseback So do come and take some with me. Now here is a fork for your pastries And do use the couch for your feet; I know what I wanted to ask you — Is trifle sufficient for sweet? Milk and then just as it comes dear? I'm afraid the preserve's full of stones. Beg pardon, I'm soiling the doileys With afternoon tea-cake and scones. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LIVING WITH MISTAKES by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE WE MUST BE POLITE: 1 by CARL SANDBURG WE MUST BE POLITE: 2 by CARL SANDBURG MODERN MANNERS by MARY (CUMBERLAND) ALCOCK TAKE YOUR CHOICE: AND BLISS CARMAN by BERTON BRALEY BUSINESS GIRLS by JOHN BETJEMAN |
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