20 FEBRUARY 1942, Page 11

DEAREST, THE DAFFODILS ARE SHINING

DEAREST, the daffodils are shining, Through lazy lids they give a lovely light, I dream they are a chandelier illuming My ballroom in the Palace of the Night.

Oh, dearest, somewhere you and I are dancing Beneath a galaxy of yellow stars, Your hair, the eyes and lips of you are gleaming In my mind, and, dimly, in the dusk, your flowers.

Dearest, they are the spring, And if I weep They are shining Like the dew.

And. if I sleep, Then, dearest, they are for you.

Dearest, I heard it whispered I was dying I sank away into a yellow mist, Dearest, the Daffodils are shining With the tears of someone that you kissed.

DIANA JAMES.