19 DECEMBER 1952, Page 16

Midwintef

Carpeted on the bare wood's empty floor The russet leaves lie still, and stir no more : Midwinter's pale thin sunlight on them glances, But no birds pipe and not a fairy dances : Only beneath the soil the faithful roots Toil on, unseen, for next year's leaves and fruits.

R. C. K. ENSOR.