13 JULY 2002, Page 36

On the Beach

Versilia

Bright discotheques hung feverish, Like droplets strung along a beach, Small fry attracted as big fish Swam glittering into reach.

Walls sweated with the thought of it, Floors danced and pounded under strain: While bodies grouped, paired off and split, And someone felt a vein Surrendering. Life left a hand: The body, clothing stripped and torn, A stroller in new morning sand Found floating in the dawn.

N. S. Thompson