27 OCTOBER 1967, Page 18

In the park

VERNON SCANNELL

Sun leans lightly on all temples; In the park the far trees Melt at their shadowed knees. Summer supplies its simples For all but one disease: • Young dogs, young sons, young mothers, Gold waterfall hair of daughters Float over trim green seas.

He could munch them up and swallow them, Yes, even the melting trees, The staid man on the seat Whose heart's teeth ache with love And its impossible sweet.