8 DECEMBER 2001, Page 53

Jackson Pollock

The Bayeux Tapestry, seen from behind, Plays square peg to a round-hole mind. Random, chaotic, apparent abstraction, The brain made dizzy by the eye's reaction. From the front it tells a different story, The patterns revealed as a construct of glory. One work, two views; it's how we look That selects the language to translate the book. Entropically dripping his reds and his greens Mr Pollock doesn't need to ask what it means; And to children it all makes perfect sense. Inexperience is their recompense.

Some adults grow blinkers as they grow old; Bland safety pushes out spicy bold.

John Andrews