25 JUNE 1994, Page 28

Visitation

We walked out in high wind today Through Harpford Woods, March daffodils All knocked about and trees asway Like masts at sea and stormswept hills Like ocean rollers all around And underfoot the March-dry mud All iron ruts and underground Or overhead a jealous god Out of an old old covenant, The awe and anger now no more Troublesome than a gale's half-spent And out of date bad-tempered roar.

Outside our house we found a man - Black briefcase, grey suit, well brushed hair.

He smiled. He was none other than Jehovah's Witness waiting there.

Robert Roberts