26 JUNE 1959, Page 5

In the Coffee Bar

It was as if all the people sitting on the narrow chairs Among the plants with large tropical leaves Were very patiently waiting their turn for an interview ; As if they continued to sit on the uncomfort- able chairs For some reason which they did not fully understand; As if they accepted uneasiness as a portion of things.

It was as if all the people in the coffee bar were awaiting A stiff interview, a very stiff interview.

The plate glass windows gave them no pro- tection.

The espresso machine attendant in horn- rimmed spectacles Pulled the levers with sinister precision, and from Behind the counter came an ominous hissing of steam.

JULIAN COOPER