21 JANUARY 1989, Page 39

Kindlings

Girl, though you are beautiful, Take it in your stride: Just beyond your own back-door Up the mountain-side See for yourself how briefly beauty Justifies its pride.

There the wild chrysanthemums Flourish by the score: One touch of frost, and then what good Was all that beauty for?

Nothing but to start a fire Or sweep a kitchen floor.

Anonymous (18th century)

Translated from the Korean by Graeme Wilson