27 APRIL 1996, Page 35

Thanksgiving

Who edited the ugliness away -

I stand before you, sinful, sorrowing leaving this sweetness at life's nether end?

All that I had to give I gave: greater, by far, my harvest of transgression and yet, in dreams, it seems I am forgiven.

Did any Beatrice make intercession which set me here, at the receiving end, a one-time stranger to your grace and pardon?

Pray on; and bless me, Lady of the Garden. Derek Stanford