11 JANUARY 1986, Page 52

No. 1405: Split rhymes

`Who would not give all else for two p/ ennyworth only of beautiful Soup?' wrote Lewis Carroll. You are invited to write a poem (maximum 16 lines) in couplets, of any length or rhythm, which are 'split- rhymed'. Entries to 'Competition No. 1405' by 24 January.

The top winner of this and the next 11 competitions will receive a bottle of Cham- pagne Victor Canard (Brut) through the kindness of The John Milroy Soho Wine Mart, 3 Greek St., London Wl.