2 MARCH 1996, Page 42

Problems of Approach

Hail Mary — icon, person, metaphor I pray to you the only way I know a twisty poet, not an upright man.

Lighthouse of hope, star of the sheeny sea whether as image or as holy one I make my plea the only way I can.

The truth for me remains a metaphor. Hail Mary, tower of ivory, pray for me. I bend my knee the only way I can.

Derek Stanford