
Ysgyryd Fawr*
I left it late, I thought, the sun was there,
Just below nadir glimmering awake,
Erupting through the dense volcanic dark,
Dimming the celestial lamps above
I crunched and heaved my body through the rock.
Chasing the shadows on Holy Mountain,
With birch supporting creaking bones I chase,
And still the crimson light snapped at my heels.
With bursting lungs I push to claim my prize,
No worship or divinity embraced
Here was man versus mountain versus clock.
Startling nightjars crashing through the sedge,
As world stirs drunk on dreams and heavy sleep,
And strength sapping gradients take their toll.
The path is known, my eyes are closed with sweat
With pounding heart beat pushing at my chest,
Rattle and drum cling to my burdened back.
The way of pilgrims follows ages past,
St Michael’s chapel gone with key stones lain
And captive Hess* strolls through the Holy paths
The woodlands break into the gathering
Light and darkness meet in brief union,
To lead me on to my glittering prize
While Sat upon the Holy mountain throne
I watch the fire and orange sun to rise
Footnotes:*Ysgyryd Fawr is the Welsh name of a mountain commonly known in English as either The Skirrid or The Holy Mountain.** Rudolf Hess used to walk on this mountain when he was a captive at Maindiff Court Military Hospital from 1942 to 1945.
No Evil La Fling
The clocks have all stopped, and a window opens,
As though the air is fresh once more,
And life has breathed along the corridors.
As sun rays burst upon a heart that's broken,
Healing it with love and warm words spoken.
The earth has stood still, and the bird song stays silent,
As though the notes they cannot sing,
And time has ceased its ordered marching,
As warmth envelops this body embraced,
Healing it with love, gentle hands and touching face.
The world is alive with beating hearts singing,
As though one touch could emotions awake,
And life springs forth beneath the deepest swirling lake.
As blossoms burst open upon the orchard tree;
Healing it with love and loving you, loving me
The clocks have all stopped, and a window opens,
As though the air is fresh once more,
And life has breathed along the corridors.
As sun rays burst upon a heart that's broken,
Healing it with love and warm words spoken.
The earth has stood still, and the bird song stays silent,
As though the notes they cannot sing,
And time has ceased its ordered marching,
As warmth envelops this body embraced,
Healing it with love, gentle hands and touching face.
The world is alive with beating hearts singing,
As though one touch could emotions awake,
And life springs forth beneath the deepest swirling lake.
As blossoms burst open upon the orchard tree;
Healing it with love and loving you, loving me
