29 MAY 1953, Page 19

Stanzas for Dancing

Follow, dancer, the measure in and out, Tall velvet dancer : dressed in black. Your only partner, on the green meadow, A queer, twisting, monkey-like shadow. Lissom leg : knee, hand, back, Turn, twist : double right about.

Eye fixed, face as pale as paper ; When you deftly cut the final caper, Cleave the air, with a sudden shout.

Dark eyes watch, froin the ring around, As you move silently, under the moon. Idler, toper, arms-a-kimbo slattern Watch without a word, as you tread the pattern.

Dance by yourself. All too soon The music plays again : fiddles sound, Bringing in the melody ; rhythms answer. But move now soundlessly, subtle-footed dancer, Save the soft pad, toe on the ground.

JOHN HOLLOWAY.