10 JULY 1993, Page 26

Sub Aqua

I ought to ring the man about the diving. Yes, I have tried; but he is never there.

In what blind depth — I ought to send a note.

Still you keep asking me; I do not think Your swimming strong enough. Your arms are weak. No sun can reach down there. You would not float.

Through our dry workshop's door a young man brings A great bell from a German submarine.

Sea ate the clapper, yet for seventy years It tolled the drowned, the salt stiff in its throat, It tolled the dead, with silence for its note.

Alison Brackenbury