31 JANUARY 1987, Page 31

Goethe in Dilemma

I took sea-roses from the Odyssey Nausicaa's sea-pinks by that fragrant shore; and, strolling in Palermo's Public Gardens a Goth with Grecian blossom in his hair sought to transpose Homeric syllables, re-grafting them in soft Sicilian air.

But as I strove with dreams, the roses, looked at, usurped the fabled bloom of Alcinous; tugging my gaze, till I must needs relinquish all thoughts of Ulysses, and once more set inquiry on that foolish sweet chimera — unresting hobby-horse — beloved quest to find the Primal Plant.

Why must we let (we modern men) distraction dominate us, rooting remotest problems without answer while today's task —. a poem? — waits our touch.

Derek Stanford