15 JULY 1966, Page 20

Vassar

Petals on a fall wind, girls stream Across the campus.—Now, don't start thinking Of 'petals' as just a romantic Property, the old dream-and-gleam Of a delicate white or pink thing, Choreographic, corybantic (Though there's that too: and surely today Censorious little shags might drop That screeching on How to Act Tough?) But the immediate image rings free Already in a fuller peal —Camellia—Magnolia?—anyway Hard, white and smooth; fleshy; Veined with a spiced sap.

At the strained nodes of the real: None the less subject to love.

ROBERT CONQUEST