19 FEBRUARY 1943, Page 11

MOON OVER THE CHANNEL

OUR pinpoint on the coast of France

Showed through the breaking cloud ; a lance Of moonlight struck the sleeping town And shivered into silver light Which danced like stars upon the grey Gilt-burnished sea and turned the night To a pale undertone of day.

White puffs of cloud hung low upon The wave-crests and their whiteness shone Like gleaming stepping-stones until They vanished quite, and looking down We saw the shape of Portland Bill.

OWEN CHAVE.