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Croeso Y Cymru

Wales to me is ...

          places of unpronounceable beauty

                    steam trains coastal walks in the rain

                              castles Cromlechs and Celtic crosses


Diolch yn fawr for the memories ...

          beautiful welcoming people

                    stubborn and fiercely resilient

                              who gave me a home for years


An immigrant greeted with kindness ...

          Wales is where I raised my five children

                    bandaged scraped knees and innocence 

                              set them forth on their wonderful journey


The most beautiful flag in the world ...

          fiery red dragon on white and green

                    pastures for magic passion and love

                              proud banner and mythical legends


An anthem unsurpassed by any other ...

          land of poets singers and people of stature

                    spirit not hindered by treacherous hands

                              or silencing the sweet harp of my land


My farmhouse of field stone and wood ...

          coal fired Aga warming the kitchen

                     providing shelter and sparkling dreams

                               cows sheep and daffodils cheering me on


Rugby propelling this tiny nation

          past oppression and invasion

                    staking its claim on a peaceful map

                             my daughter plays for the national team


Eisteddfod recitals dance and song ...

          my kids trilingual from the tip of their tongue

                    international examples of healing the wounds

                              of ignorance belligerence and aggression


Charming Wales to me is ...

          part of my heritage and narration

                    sea shores and mountain retreats

                              part of my body mind and soul


05th June 2020 and counting my blessing


‘Croeso y Cymru’ - - - Welcome to Wales

‘Diolch yn fawr’ - - - Thank you very much

Fifth stanza with translations from the anthem

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Aditi Mishra

Date: 7/7/2020 9:03:00 AM

You have lived in so many wonderful places Kai and your poetry always has glimpses of your experiences. This one is adorned with rich fascinating memories and references. Congratulations on your win! :)

John Watt

Date: 7/5/2020 1:52:00 PM

So many nice touches of Wales in this winning write, Kai. Congrats, and thank you very much for the translations of your Welsh phrases... or should I say Diolch yn fawr? ~ John

Wendy Watson

Date: 6/20/2020 11:30:00 AM

This is absolutely wonderful, Kai and made me feel quite homesick. You presented all these aspects of Wales in such a poetic, interesting way and I loved the personal touch. What a small world! Both my parents were Welsh (Mum is still alive and well in Bridgend South Wales) but although I was born there and frequently returned for holidays , I spent much of my youth in England and never learnt the beautiful language. I have just embarked on an online beginners'Welsh course though!Lovely poem,Kai

Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 7/5/2020 5:54:00 AM

Thank you Wendy. I lived about 20 years of my life there and it it/was so beutiful. Kind wishes, Kai