MONICA SALEEBY

Retrospect

FRANCIS MEYNELL

Any Stone
Lux in Tenebris
Mater Inviolata
Song-burden
Gifts
Wraith
A Dedication


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FOREWORD


My office on this occasion is one which I may well carry as lightly as
possible. In our society, I am told, one needs an introduction to a
beautiful woman; but I have never heard of men needing an introduction
to a beautiful song. Prose before poetry is an unmeaning interruption;
for poetry is perhaps the one thing in the world that explains itself.
The only possible prelude for songs is silence; and I shall endeavour
here to imitate the brevity of the silence as well as its stillness.

This collection contains four new poems by one whom all serious critics