25 MAY 1889, Page 44

Poems. By James Kelly. (Gird and Coghill, Glasgow.)—Mr. Kelly appears

to have become a poet from a very early age. His poems, written before the age of nineteen, show a promise that is not fulfilled in those of twenty-four. The sonnets are very un- equal ; sonnet-writing is a rare gift not often given to modern writers. Such lines as the following will explain the descent which the writer occasionally makes :— " Some spirit storm-rapt cleaves that writhing sky; From out this life of cramp is swaddled high The latest born to Everlasting Light."

" A Ballad " and " In Winter " have a certain grace and tender- ness. We are not much struck by the rest.