12 JANUARY 1924, Page 16

POETRY.

THE KINGFISHER'S RETURN FROM BEING STUFFED.

[Written for the children at Field Place, where Shelley was born.] LONG had our Kingfisher been

Barred from his meadows green, From green waters running deep Where the dumb fish glide and sleep Reeds in their ranks keep The banks on either side, Weeds divide and surge wide As the miller's boat goes by, Kingfishers when they die To far Cloud-Cuckoo pastures fly, But this Kingfisher makes a home Where little children go and come With nosegays welcoming The advent of their King, This ancient regent Of an excellent Rainbow Land.

Join we hand in hand By the river strand To dance for our playmate Till the day grows late, Greeting him with this song A long while planned.

MOLLY ADAMS.

ROBERT GRAVES.