11 FEBRUARY 1989, Page 41

Differing with Dr Donne

Don't batter my heart, three-personed God. Father, Son and Spirit, somewhere else employ Your powers. The dents I have are no great bother, And too many cooks could spoil this broth of a boy.

That vision of being young again, fire-new, And back in Eden, the slate completely clean, Is vain: we never were there. And we can't undo Our past, with all its errors; it's what we mean.

Genuine born-agains have other advice, Displaying their armour-plated serenity. I'd say such folk have paid an excessive price For that particular amenity.

Aeneas was right: carry your past on your back When, you look for a better place, and never go slack.

Neill Megaw