16 APRIL 1948, Page 14

HEREDITY

THE lines of his young face Stained by brief April tears Show how love's features thrust Up from the long-dead years, And in his eyes I trace The resurrected dust ; The same remembered grace Lives on through flesh and bone, Familiar smile or frown Rolls back the heavy stone, And with his every breath Defeats the dark of death And makes the unknown known.

DOUGLAS GIBSON.