Our True Prince of Wales Owain was a man of the people, boldly fought for their rights, a brave fearless leader, possessed an undying passion to incite. Proud of his lineage, Owain fought for an independent Wales, to dispel English tyranny so unfettered freedom would prevail. Surrender wasn’t an option, during a fifteen-year revolution, Welsh blood being spilled freely, whilst battling persecution. Discriminatory penal laws, with a whole nation suppressed, Owain’s resolve was unwavering, a leader fiercely possessed. Assimilation Owain’s forte, with a cunning military mind, using guerilla warfare tactics, would never be confined. The Welsh hills and mountains became Owain’s domain, never relenting, steadfastly fighting a freedom campaign. With a bounty on his head, Owain was never betrayed, such overwhelming loyalty, dutiful followers displayed. Surrender not an option, Owain quietly disappeared, uprising now at an end, Owain respected and revered. Forever in our hearts, our last Welsh Prince of Wales, a man of unparalleled stature, who was never curtailed. Owain’s legacy lives on, hwyl surges through our veins, forever in our hearts, truth be told, Owain still reigns.
Hugh Griffith One of the greatest actors to come out of Wales, he won an Oscar for his role as Sheik Ilderim in the Hollywood film epic Ben Hur, and is lovingly remembered for playing the funeral director Caradog Lloyd Evans in that great Welsh rugby comedy Grand Slam. To act was his passion, a Welsh national treasure, a larger-than-life character, gave so much pleasure. With striking features, a unique stage presence, a comedic rogue, an abounding forbearance. A captivating imagination, wholly unconventional, when treading the boards, a performer exceptional. Blessed with animal intensity, fixating blazing eyes, a master of his craft, a natural instinct to improvise. On both sides of the Atlantic, critically acclaimed, a theatrical genius, performances unrestrained. Such was his prowess, and ability to improvise, as an Arab horse trader, won the ultimate prize. Fame never hindered; Hugh took it all in his stride, ever so humble, being a Celt filled Hugh with pride. Those facial expressions, were just pure devilry, that idiosyncratic voice, a pre curser for revelry. A mercurial character, there is no one to compare, a Welsh acting cult hero, possessed a talent so rare Hugh was taken too soon, the best ever they say, a born entertainer, in such an indomitable way.
Joseph Parry One of the greatest composers Wales ever produced, Joseph Parry spent his formative years in the mines and steelworks of Merthyr, later emigrating to the USA with his family. There his passion for music grew, and he wrote many operas, cantatas, hymns, and oratorios. One of his most famous pieces is Myfanwy. A proud Merthyr son, a man of the people, a musical genius, with a legacy unequalled. At nine years of age, mining came calling, conditions inhuman, on stomach crawling. Fifty-six hours a week, toiling underground three years of drudgery, no solace found, Robbed of a childhood, no fault of his own, a time that was brutal, his future unknown. Philadelphia beckoned, a prosperous new life, free from despondency, all trouble and strife. Harmony and religion, playing an integral part, fervently embroiled, composing from the heart. Easy going, prolific, with a resonating passion, Parry stirred souls more than one can imagine. Welsh chorales, and harmonies simply angelic, hymns now enshrined; his Myfanwy mesmeric. Parry transcended misery, achieving his dreams, one of Wales finest, held in such high esteem. From deep in the bowels, to a musician unique, Parry brought hope, such a prolific technique. Parry's music today, still sung by the masses, globally renowned, it unequivocally surpasses. An inviolable reputation, a national revelation, an eminent product of an industrial revolution.
All poems ©️ Arthur Cole. If you’d like your poetry to be featured on a Sunday, in any or many languages, drop Yr Editrix a line.
