A poem by 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.
Lynette Roberts (1909-1995)