31 MAY 1986, Page 28

Fighting Talk

I overhear the woman in the bar: `They fought like cat and dog,' she says, her lips Clamped tight and sour, an operation scar. Her friend nods glazed agreement as she sips Another gin and tonic. Both are wrong, For cats and dogs don't fight. When dogs attack Most cats will run. The exceptionally strong In spirit stand, sizzling with curved back. And then the dog will stop and growl and glare, Retreat within its skin, then slink away.

Human couples fight — no question there - But not like cat and dog, nor like, I'd say, Any pair of beasts. When couples rise To slug it out their rage does not diminish, Though they might smile. You see in those cold eyes That this fight has no rules, is to the finish.

Vernon Scannell