#lynette roberts

Poem from Llanybri

If you come my way that is …

Between now and then, I will offer you 
A fist full of rock cress fresh from the bank 
The valley tips of garlic red with dew 
Cooler than shallots, a breath you can swank

In the village when you come. At noon-day 
I will offer you a choice bowl of cawl 
Served with a ‘lover’s’ spoon and a chopped spray 
Of leeks or savori fach, not used now,

In the old way you’ll understand. The din 
Of children singing through the eyelet sheds 
Ringing smith hoops, chasing the butt of hens; 
Or I can offer you Cwmcelyn spread

With quartz stones from the wild scratchings of men:
You will have to go carefully with clogs 
Or thick shoes for it’s treacherous the fen, 
The East and West Marshes also have bogs.

Then I’ll do the lights, fill the lamp with oil, 
Get coal from the shed, water from the well; 
Pluck and draw pigeon, with crop of green foil 
This your good supper from the lime-tree fell.

A sit by the hearth with blue flames rising, 
No talk. Just a stare at 'Time’ gathering 
Healed thoughts, pool insight, like swan sailing 
Peace and sound around the home, offering

You a night’s rest and my day’s energy. 
You must come – start this pilgrimage 
Can you come? – send an ode or elegy 
In the old way and raise our heritage.

'Poem from Llanybri’, Lynette Roberts

(1944)