11 SEPTEMBER 1964, Page 20

Beach Scene

Curved, casual, cool, That form remained aloof: Prodigious human flesh, Its character expressed To feed the eye and mind.

Image of a female Body nearly naked On the beach, and bird-soft But blazing animal Unhinging speech and bone.

The scene is laid, and I Am the actor-bridegroom On bed of sand and thorn. Salt breezes fan the pair Of lovers till they drown.

That turgid drama, held In analytic order, Now seems serene.

Sweet sex not wholly sweet Even in daydream.

'NISSIM EZEKIEL