Joyce Grenfell, 10 February 1910 - 30
November 1979, is known and loved mainly for her comic monologues.
Her most famous catch phrase, “George, don´t do that!” (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXhHFgDRNBQ ) is instantly
recognisable to all her fans. What I didn´t know until today is the
fact that she wrote some of the most beautifully evocative nature
poetry I´ve ever heard. I say “heard” because the following poem
was never published and I´ve only just heard it on BBC radio.
Luckily, it was on the Listen Again feature so I was able to write it
down. I´m sure you´ll agree that it captures the very spirit of
Spring.
Taut as a tent the heavenly dome is
blue,
Uncrossed by cloud or tossing twig or
plane,
A measureless span infinitely new,
To fill the eye and lift the heart
again.
Deep in the wintered earth the shock is
felt.
Glossy sweet aconite has shown her
gold,
And strong straight crocus spears where
late we knelt,
To lodge their bulbs are waiting to
unfold.
The ragged rooks like tea leaves in
the sky,
Straggle towards the earth with awkward
grace.
A robin in a silver birch nearby,
Thrusts up his carol through the naked
lace.
I´ve known this day for thirty years
and more.
It will go on as it has done before.
You were right, Joyce. It has.
