24 DECEMBER 1948, Page 10

AMID THE SWEET SHAFT HAY

0 Star shining a chandelier in this dark sky! See! Beast and berry barb their claws: peace Penetrates each disillusioned age.

Prophetic trees put on festival garments, Embellished branches gleam as snow splays forth Frail flake to Christmas roses.

O Child of comfort to childless and lonely! Crabbed hearts fill with crib wonder caught In Christ's seasonal clasp.

And down this telescopic night age grows Innocent, and children wise who kneel with os And ass amid the sweet shaft hay.

IRIS BIRTWISTLE.