12 MAY 1928, Page 16

Poetry

Apple-tree

Sarni° beneath this apple-tree That sheds its petals down on me, How could I need Danites gold showers, More deftly touched by richer flowers, How could I need her god or gold, Whom heavenlier showers than hers enfold ?-- Showers that will make a perfect day If gods and people keep away ; _ Showers that, my open book receive

To fill its haves with gayer leaves.

No priest with full asperge can bless Scattering such drops of blissfulness.

No queen such Orders can confer, These silk rosettes are lovelier.

No phoenix perched on fabled trees Could moult transparent plumes like these.

Yet fables, priests, and gold will stay, And these be spoiled in one more day.

CAMILLA Do YLE: