17 JULY 1964, Page 21

Sometimes Without Dedication

Sometimes, caught without dedication, You will be disturbed by the Rancour of curious disbelief which will Engage your weaknesses In pointed derision And disdain as odd The outward features of Your strength and eccentricity.

Sleep will elude you then, the stiff sheet Yield less easily as the arm threshes Repelling the stark fear of your ,gift For deep singing.

Of the blurred quavers Chafing your ears you would ask, 'How audible is love?'

Turning you will feel Her, beside you sleeping, Place instinctively her Cool fingers across your Forehead and you will be calm, Reminded that there Exists this intimacy where In all else you have failed.

IVAN WHITE