30 MARCH 1996, Page 31

The Unprocessed Word

(for Malcolm Williamson)

In this age of the word-processor you are sending Handwritten letters; friends are glad you do: Like fingerprints and faces, the handwriting Is yours alone: that manuscript is you.

Virtual reality of a flawless typescript Leaves out essentials, — whispers barely heard, The heartbeats, and what moves between the lines. . . Thank you for giving me your Unprocessed Word!

Edward Lowbury