10 JANUARY 1943, Page 8

FISH, MOTH AND MAN

SEEK not nor search those pools, slip-silver fish: No gentle river reaches will uncover

But sucking whirlpools which will deep draw down Along dark labyrinthine streams to drown And cast to surface, and your small still corpse White-bellied to the starlight will discover.

Seek not nor starch those flames, 0 pollen moth: No friendship warmth but passion's hot destroyer To burn soft honey wing, antenna's featherAh, blind and dreaming, lost and timeless dancer, Sway not in light's bright music, seek for lover That flameless fire the moon that shines, no burner.

Seek not nor search his eyes: those sharp bright spears Would find their fatal entry to the keep. Turn swift aside, shut, fasten close those doors That open on your undefended halls ;

For he will ,storm the citadel and slaughter

The lingering garrison. . . . Then trumpets up And gay flags flying in the sun, march on

To leave in desolation those darl, walls.

SHEILA SHANNON.