Memoir

The Cockney Amorist by John Betjeman

Oh when my love, my darling,
You've left me here alone,
I'll walk the streets of London
Which once seemed all our own.
The vast suburban churches
Together we have found:
The ones which smelt of gaslight
The ones in incense drown'd;
I'll use them now for praying in
And not for looking round.
No more the Hackney Empire
Shall find us in its stalls
When on the lime lit crooner
The thankful curtain falls,
And soft electric lamplight
Reveals the gilded walls.
I will not go to Finsbury Park
The putting course to see
Nor cross the crowded High Road
To Williamsons' to tea,
For these and all the other things
Were part of you and me.
I love you, oh my darling,
And what I can't make out
Is why since you have left me
I'm somehow still about.

Seasons in Suzhou

These delightful prints capture the four seasons in Suzhou – the Venice of China. With its mild climate Suzhou is a tranquil place that captures many Chinese hearts. There is a saying in Chinese “there is a paradise in the Heaven, Suzhou is the paradise on earth.” It is a place where people go to relax, to enjoy family life away from the cities and admire the beautiful scenery. The set of paintings, depicting the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter scenes shows the peace that is found there. An unclouded place often leads to an unclouded mind.

There is a famous poet, Ji Zhang of Tang Dynasty (618-907), who wrote a famous poem to show his affection for Suzhou:

Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night

At moonset cry the crow, streaking the frosty sky

Dimly lit fishing boats beneath maples sadly lie

Beyond the city walls of Suzhou, from temple of Cold Hill

Bells break the ship – borne roamer’s dream and midnight sill

Autumn in Suzhou

Summer in Suzhou

Spring in Suzhou

Winter in Suzhou