BIRTH IS FAREWELL

This is a slight and immaterial collection of lyrics by a young woman who has published a previous volume called Another England. The verses are marked by a certain delicate and intellectual quality; they show an awareness of those troubled times, especially in the recurrent theme that things are ""Not According to Plan"", title of one of the most effective short poems. Despite their sincerity and high-mindedness they have too little substance and are too scattered to command attention. Miss Laing, however, has received recognition through acceptance by various periodicals. Watch her.