
The collection opens with a series of vivid snapshots that turn everyday London streets into a stage for both quiet wonder and stark realism. From the pearly glow of a pre‑dawn cityscape to the bustling, rain‑kissed sidewalks of Oxford Street, the poems capture the rhythm of urban life, its fleeting moments of beauty, and the unnoticed hardships that linger in alleys and on tired shoulders. The language is lyrical yet grounded, inviting listeners to hear the hum of the Tube, the chatter of sparrows, and the soft sigh of early morning light.
Beyond the capital, the verses wander into a broader terrain of memory and imagination. Mythic echoes mingle with personal reflections on love, loss, and duty, while playful ballads and contemplative pieces explore themes from ancient Knossos to the quiet patience of a garden sundial. This varied tapestry offers a gentle, thoughtful journey that feels both timeless and unmistakably tied to the pulse of early twentieth‑century England.
Language
en
Duration
~57 minutes (54K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
2011-10-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1885–1975
A versatile British writer who published poetry, drama, fiction, and biography under the pen name John Presland, while also building a busy public life as a lecturer, translator, and committee member. Born in Melbourne and educated at Girton College, she moved easily between literary work and public service.
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