20 OCTOBER 1928, Page 12

Poetry

The Return to the Orchard OVERBLOWN with seeding grass

The old orchard was : The brickpath and ashpath Laid but a year, Now hidden. Creeping near, I saw no feet had trodden There. They were rain-sodden.

Great hemlocks, and sorrel With fingers of coral Moved with the breeze Under the bearded trees.

No birds were singing ; No children swinging.

I wondered, calling, " Hallo ! Hallo ! I've come ! "

But no little ones ran out With welcome and boisterous shout.

Only the ancient trees

Stood secret and dumb.'

RICHARD CH