4 MAY 1985, Page 31

Looking at Her

When he looked at her, he invariably felt Like stretching his arms up, as if about to do A long and lustrous yawn. Of course she knew She had that effect; and whether she lounged or knelt, Or walked or simply stood, he was never clear If she was prepared and eager to let him bring His hands down around her back, and press her near — Or would shake her head and permit him no such thing.

This was her talent, to stir both lust and doubt, She did it the best of all feats she was able; And therefore other women felt sure she bored The men she attracted; since all of them, without Her seeming to provoke them, of one accord Would yawn and thump their fists down on the table.

Alan Brownjohn