‘On Leaving Wantage, 1972’ by John Betjeman

Section 4

Suddenly on the unsuspecting air
The bells clash out.  It seems a miracle
That leaf and flower should never even stir
In such great waves of medieval sound:
They ripple over roofs to fields and farms
So that ‘the fellowship of Christ’s religion’
Is roused to breakfast, church or sleep again.

© The Betjeman Estate