23 NOVEMBER 1962, Page 54

A Walk in the Woods

Do not dismiss me too easily. I have a face other than the one you know. Madam, I could without difficulty destroy you. Did you mark the place where we entered the wood?

Oh, it is beautiful here! The tall beeches yearn from distended trunks to a sky so far distant, one is reminded that darkness bleaches— would it bleach your hair?

Let us lie down here and caress. I did not ask you if you wanted to. You have too long waited a chance to prove you are loved, and now your task is to prove you aren't hated.

Why did you walk with me then? I an) neither rich nor, you tell me, handsome. Do you wonder your theft of my time and emotion should give me an itch to please what is left?

JEREMY BROOKS