Now if the harvest is over, And the world cold, Give me the bonus of laughter, As I lose hold.

Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.

Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not a necessity like petrol. But to me it's the oil of life.

It's strange that those we miss the most Are those we take for granted.

History must not be written with bias, and both sides must be given, even if there is only one side.

People's backyards are much more interesting than their front gardens, and houses that back on to railways are public benefactors.

I ought to warn you that my verse is of no interest to people who can think.

And I think it was the outline of that church tower at Belaugh against the sky which gave me a passion for churches so that every church I've past since I've wanted to stop and look in.

And now, dear Lord, I cannot wait Because I have a luncheon date.

Topography is one of my chief themes in my poetry, about the country, the suburbs and the seaside. Then there comes love... and increasingly; the fear of death.

Hymns are the poetry of the people.

I'd rather be thin than famousbut I'm fatpaste that in your broadway show

TRUST that if they strayed from your path – they DO NOT belong there. Not everybody can go where you’re going.

I don't remember ever signing up for weird. It just sort of happened.

Made a wrong turn.ones or twice.

Lying is done with words and also with silence.

If you think something is impossible, don't disturb the person who is doing it!

Wit is the most rascally, contemptible, beggarly thing on the face of the earth.

In singing, what my voice lacked in quality it made up in volume.

What is nonmeasurable and nonpredictable will remain nonmeasurable and nonpredictable ... no matter how much hate mail I get.

Health, learning and virtue will ensure your happiness; they will give you a quiet conscience, private esteem and public honour.