“Safe were those evenings of the pre-war world
When firelight shone on green linoleum,
I heard the church bells hollowing out the sky,
Deep beyond deep, like never-ending stars.”

— John Betjeman

Summoned By Bells (1960).
Poetry

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John Betjeman 30

English poet, writer and broadcaster 1906–1984

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“Safe were those evenings of the pre-war worldWhen firelight shone on green linoleum,I heard the church bells hollowing out the sky,Deep beyond deep, like never-ending stars.”

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John Betjeman 30

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“Safe were those evenings of the pre-war world
When firelight shone on green linoleum,
I heard the church bells hollowing out the sky,
Deep beyond deep, like never-ending stars.”