25 SEPTEMBER 1942, Page 11

SONNET

I sAw the dawn and swiftly swung the gate, And all the garden of my heart was there, Where only I had walked in virgin state ; Shyly I felt the sun upon my hair,

Shyly I felt the blossoms palpitate. Mink was their ecstasy and mine their fear, I tore them by the roots, I could not wait To give them all to Love for him to wear. Love left, and oh, my garden was like hell! And broken stems dripped blood upon the lawn, All night I never slept, Love left a spell That held me listless dreaming of the dawn. And nights of sleep and peace they lay behind With flow'rs that I no longer cared to find.

DIANA JAMES.