23 JANUARY 1942, Page 10

THE PHOENIX

ALONG the ledges of the rock I saw the salamander slide,

Across the plains of asphodel The snorting centaurs fiercely ride And from the Egyptian flames arise The phoenix with his crimson eyes.

Along the secret ways of thought I saw your flaming image glide, Across the mirror of my mind I saw you pass in splendid pride And from the ashes of my heart Bright crimson winged my love upstart.

SHEILA SHANNON.