21 MAY 1994, Page 33

If My Sentence

If my sentence could be annulled I said I'd pray each day, but still the car turned round moving down that drive, its brake lights glowing red, as it reached the gate with horn's final sound. Remote and disinterested in my plight God had turned aside, neutral without love, leaving this chill dormitory, endless night stealing through strange uncurtained panes above. Red bulbs framed a statue beside my bed but all of heaven's powers had grown slack. I turned to darkness, pillowing my dread, dreaming the car, bonnet first, had come back. When morning brought no change, I knew there lay, between prayer and salvation much delay.

John Chambers