28 FEBRUARY 1987, Page 35

Song

It's time, perhaps, we had you back again, if only as our brightest haul to date: murder's abroad once more (and once more in your name) while many now feel powerless to stem mad science, failing language and the State.

It isn't clear, though, how we'd go about it; or if we did, then whether it would mean a more just relation.

Given our past record, I, for my part, doubt it: one by one, the old crimes re-appear.

Only the name changes.

You might however, make us more responsible, for you only can maybe see it all.

I think of you as a balanced voice, like the light inhabiting this fruit-tree or that of a thoughtful woman: prior to language, generous and precise.

Mark Hutchinson