3 APRIL 1953, Page 9

Easter

After the beautiful and terrible climax, The cracks of rocks breaking in a frenzy

Of protestation ; after the rending Of the temple's veil and dead saints walking ; After the sun's complete and black rebellion,

The broken and holy body was taken

And tended tenderly. Three days it lay Before it rose, wounded still it walked :

Wounds bright and miraculous as these early flowers Proclaimed the dazzling truth of our salvation.

VERNON SCANNELL.