My Dad was rather short, and he carried me
On his shoulders so I could tell him everything.
"Watch the Bull Courting Europa!" The crowd was dense,

But I did my best to describe things. The second day
Was "The Gentlemanly Swan Meets the Lovely Leda!"
Same man, same woman, just the costumes different.

I told Dad that, but he wanted to come back
For the third day as well: "Guaranteed Appearance
Of the Holy Ghost, First Time Here. Feed Him Yourself!"

The crowd was thicker than ever, the man wore
Feathers as for the swan, but fewer now.
I had to tell my Dad that the woman looked
Just as gratified, but that the show lacked spirit.

· From The Men Around Her Bed by Alan Brownjohn (Enitharmon, £7.95)