10 MAY 1946, Page 9

POEM : INVOCATION

Out of the wintry heart You come like Persephone From the roots of the apple tree That grew in Paradise ; In Time and yet apart, As a wild water flower Stands in the running hour Beautiful, Venuswise.

I would like to make your name A touchstone for the world A story more often told Than Helen's or how great Joys

As a swan to Leda came—

But I can come to you Only as mortals do Only with mortal love.

And say that I am glad You and I are alive, And pray your name will shrive Each young unlucky ghost And answer to all the dead Beyond the scope of speech, And fire the living till each Use peace to its uttermost.

PATRIC DICKINSON.