3 MAY 1963, Page 24

SIX POEMS

Refusing a Dance

Concords true picture shineth in this art Ninety-eight miles to the sea, Arrived late in the day To find sunshine gone and the sea Like the has blue-grey: It lipped at the weed-line, Left little space.

This was a day which lacked, you might say, Adhesion or grace.

I found few coppered fossils Or good patterned stones, Smelt a sheep's skin Attached half to its bones.

A child by her mother Paddled into the sea And showed no delight or dismay When it surged to her knee.

A woman plunged by with a sabot Washed over from France.

You might say, all these items Were separate, refusing a dance.

GEOFFREY GRIGSON