22 AUGUST 1931, Page 13

Poetry

The Pagan

ONCE, on a burning August day Along the plain of France, I saw beside the poplared way A gypsy maiden dance.

She had a hemlock in her hand, Her eyes were wild with wine ; And round her shoulders bare and tanned I saw a grass-snake twine.

Too often now, eyes closed in prayer Among my Christian kind,

I watch that serpent-goddess flare On the greensward of my mind.

RICHARD CHURCH.