Well Versed

Diary of a Church Mouse by Sir John Betjeman

I am not particularly well versed in poetry. I couldn't quote lines from Robert Browning at the drop of a hat, nor could I give an academic or intellectual analysis on the works of Walter de la Mere. However, I can sometimes be found dipping my toes into poetic waters and, if the waters feel good . . . yes, well, not entirely sure where I am going with this but . . . something about wading right in . . .

Ahem!

Anyway, at first glance Diary of a Church Mouse by Betjeman may come across as just being a playful little poem about the days of the titular little creature. In fact, with its AABBCC, and so on, rhyming couplets and rhythmic bounce, when I first read it, that is all that I expected it to be as I slowly made my way into the poem. However, as you read further you find a cynical and satirical undertone.

The poem tells the story of the mouse that lives in the church of the title. In the first part of the poem, which is sixty-two lines in length and made up of one stanza, a description is made of the little mouse's situation. We find that his is a solitary existence and he makes with the food that he can find.

So far, so sweet . . .if you like mice. Which I do.

Reading further, we find, through the innocent eyes of the mouse, observations being made of the churchgoers and their ways. And it is here we find the satire creeping in - critiquing those who portray themselves as being more devout than perhaps they truly are . . .

This really is a pleasant poem and would be one of those that I would recommend to those that don't really read poetry in general. It is fun to read and funny too!

Please do, go find out this poem for yourself!

I would like to end here by passing on some advice concerning poetry that I came across myself - when you read poetry, it is best to read it aloud.