22 JULY 1922, Page 14

POETRY.

THE DISSECTING ROOM.

HERE death and knowledge dwell: no graveyard gloom Wakes such a bitter, secret shudder of dread

As this long, empty room, Stone floored and sunlit, where the unwanted dead Lie robbed of death's last dignity, denied Even the mercy of a swift decay.

Yet here we live and work, here we dissect The limp and lifeless body—taught thereby

To honour it with passionate respect—

With wondering hands lay bare muscle and nerve, Moulded by service perfectly to serve, And, touched by wonder yet unsatisfied, Reach past the bounds of knowledge till we find

A deeper wonder standing, veiled, behind.

MARGARET Ewes.