THE SMALL TOWNS OF IRELAND O my small town of Ireland, the raindrops caress you, The sun sparkles bright on your field and your Square As here on your bridge I salute you and bless you, Your murmuring waters and turf-scented air. -- John Betjeman (pronounced BET jeh man) was born in London in 1906 and one of England's best-selling poets. His poetry is neither light nor completely serious. His best-known poems poke gentle fun at English pecularities, as in "In Westminster Abbey" - "Think of what our Nation stands for, Books from Boots' and country lanes, Free speech, free passes, class distinction, Democracy and proper drains." Occasionally, when dealing with relgion or the prospect of death, Betjeman shows himself more serious and compassionate. His collected poems were published in 1958. "Summoned By Bells" (1960) is his verse autobiography. An expert on architecture, Betjeman also wrote widely on that subject.