I’m sure most of you have seen at least one of them, but have you really read them? I just love the Poems on the Underground series -  they’ve become ingrained in my every day commute, in my London life, and I find myself under a slightly worrying compulsion to look out for them…

I think it’s the refreshing change that they offer from my dreary journey which forces this habit. Encompassing a fantastic range of humour, poignancy, history and the down-right bizarre – you never quite know what you’re going to get! And the challenge of trying to work some of them out, is also a great way to pass the time.

 The idea behind the series also strikes a chord. In terms of a partnership the brainchild of the scheme, (American writer Judith Chernaik), couldn’t have orchestrated a better deal than with Transport for London to achieve their main aim of bringing poetry to the masses.  It’s just such a fantastic way of resurrecting old classics and immersing the millions of rat-race runners (myself included) in the intrigue of poetry that may otherwise have remained uncovered.

And although so many of the poems were written decades, indeed in some cases, centuries ago, it’s fascinating to see how many of the emotions, worries and scenarios are still relevant in some way to contemporary society.  You can’t help in many cases to draw comparisons with your own life. Reading them gives you a chance to reflect on life and all that it entails – relationships, politics, simple pleasures, poignant moments, the list is endless. 

Perhaps most refreshing of all – their presence doesn’t reek of ulterior motives.  Of course, there is a best selling book behind the series (!) and there is always profit to be made, but the underlying principles remain impressive.  A partnership simply for the sake of the arts.  You are not pushed in one way or another, or under pressure to believe anything in particular.  You can simply reflect and draw your own conclusions.

Make sure you keep an eye out.