18 AUGUST 1961, Page 21

A tlantis

Atlantis, Semmerwater, Dead and weedy towns Whisper gloomily. Rocks hear, Are silent and the deep bell rings.

Who calls sequined from the green bed 'Cold, unnerved, with lint hair Algae-eyed, coral-stemmed, `Who was I then, when I was?'

The waters stir and crumple. And who was I then, when Your green mouth healed mine And pink lustre held your shell face?

A stone flung from my daughter's hand Sears your whorled face And her earth-child's cry triumphant Tears the membrane of recall.

SEAN McMAIION