14 JULY 1928, Page 12

The River

THE gravel shone with streaks of gold Under the golden light of day :

And if the summer air should tremble The little minnows dashed away.

To still the beating of their hearts They gathered in a great platoon.

" What blew so thunderous ? " they said " Is the Last Judgment here so soon ? "

One took his courage in both hands And crept out on a bold campaign The shadow of a starling fell, And how he bolted back again ! ALAN PORTER.