4 APRIL 1987, Page 35

Two Poems

I look for the round words the words on ball-and-socket joints the swivelling words: gun emplacements blowing balloons and raspberries anywhichway in the wind my words are proud of their permanent worthlessness whatever you say such levity defies erosion The English sun shy creature afraid to speak her mind no real ambition takes her walks when no one's looking takes her pleasure above the clouds

A. Jefford