12 JULY 1945, Page 9

REVERIE

I HEARD the golden sigh of Autumn breathe

Amongst the listening trees which stood around, All sound was hushed within the silent wood, Save whisper of a leaf no longer bound To parent branch, which fell reluctant down.

And now a footfall slipped amongst the grass, Unheard save by the spirit's inner ear, I seemed to see a figure slowly pass, With wings of blue and copper coloured robes, And in her hand a taper lit with flame, With which she blazed the bushes as she went, And set them burning till the wood became A place of fire . ... then mists like smoke Crept through, and hid her from my sight, And left me yearning, as my thoughts turned back To other days—which long had taken flight.

EDITH A. VASStE.