Hiraeth When you come from Wales there's a feeling of belonging, for those that have left for different lands a constant sense of longing. This longing is called 'hiraeth', only the Welsh can understand, a yearning for their nation and wonderful homeland. Hiraeth it exists and indeed it can be strong, the love for Wales is palpable for the place that you belong. Often being away from Wales you feel there's something that you lack, hiraeth is the magnet that wants to draw you back. Hiraeth, an emotion, not easy to explain, whenever you leave the heart does grieve to be back in Wales again. It can feel there's something missing, in your life there is a hole, there's an ache within your heart and a pining in your soul. No matter how long ago you left, how long you've been apart, hiraeth is there always and Wales is in your heart.
The Devil Is in the Detail I saw this picture on the wall Welsh lady and her hat worn tall something eerie on her shawl as a child I can recall. When I looked closer I could see the Devil looking back at me, there as plain as day was he forever in my memory. When I saw it as a kid, this intrigued me it really did other children wanted rid some they even run and hid. This iconic painting I remember well and the story it does tell featuring a face from Hell where this evil figure is said to dwell. Just look closely at the lady's shawl and you should see that face and all fear in some it does install Salem this piece the artist did call. I've seen it online its not the same as seeing it hung up in a frame Vosper it's creator's name this painting is of much acclaim. As a child I can recall seeing it on a museum wall mesmerised by the lady's shawl as the Devil appeared, horns and all. As if that wasn't enough for you can you notice a face in the window too? It may be a woman, it could be a man some they don't see it but others can.
Touched by Dragon’s Breath Welsh through all my days Cymru proud until my death, my soul it sings such joy it brings to be touched by dragon's breath. Cymru lives within me fine nation of my birth, 'til comes the day to Heaven I make my way leaving behind my place on Earth. Privileged to be born Welsh until my final breath exhales, from shawl to shroud through life so proud of my beloved Wales.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 the 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 The collieries of Wales long gone but forgotten not, abandoned and forlorn, rusted, left to rot. Winding gear idle the mines have gone for good, shadows cast of memories past where the collieries once stood. Gone now is the coal dust around the pithead scattered, landmarks of communities coal mining really mattered. It's sad to see these collieries now that once were so alive, where miners worked like Trojans so the industry could thrive. The collieries so eerie now, desolate and bleak, wind blows through the remnants skeletal frames they creak. These mines a mere shadow of their former glory, indeed a so sad ending to many a miner's story. Memories all they have now since the mines they closed for good, like ghostlands throughout Wales where the collieries once stood.
Cymru Be Thy Name Old land of my fathers Cymru be thy name, nation of red dragon Y Ddraig Goch tongue aflame. Blessed with such great heritage steeped in history, in Cymru soul plays music hearts beat with poetry. Across both hill and valley golden daffodils they sway, beauty to behold on the wind they gently play. Strong willed and proud us Welsh are and always we shall be, mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi. Through our veins flows Cymru Welsh 'tis the blood we bleed, through adversity defiant ry'n ni yma o hyd.
All poems ©️ Andrew Challis. If you’d like your poetry featured in Bylines Cymru for Welsh Poetry Sunday, contact us anytime.
