A poem about being Welsh

When local poet Julie Croad was visiting our Radiology Department at Royal Glamorgan Hospital recently, she noticed our mural and thought that her poem entitled ‘Welshness’ would look great on the wall alongside it.

Julie began writing in 2011 and a year later took part in a local ‘Poems and Pints’ night for St. David’s day. Julie says; “The poem expresses my feelings about the beautiful, wonderful country we are all privileged to share.”

The poem was transcribed on the wall at RGH by south Wales artist Chaunce Lewis with Julie’s help and support.

We would like to thank Julie for the poem and Chaunce for the work done to display it in the department.

“Welshness”

Is “Welshness” just apoint of view?
No, it’s lava bread and hot lamb stew,
little trains that climb up high,
pit winding gear against the sky.

Maybe its rugby that explains best.
Yelling loud with all the rest.
Whenever our boys score a try they
keep our dreams of victory high.

Welsh dragons asleep in the mountain halls,
our national game with its odd shaped balls!
It’s coal and slate in this land of song.
It’s pints...and poems that go on too long!

Welsh gold for your wedding ring,
bright daffodils in the early spring.
Huge castles from our fighting past,
like valley houses built to last.

It’s miles of lovely golden sand,
holidays spent in caravans.
Great Snowdon rising to the sky,
male voice choirs that make us cry.

Yes, North and South, East and West,
we all know “Welshness” is best.
So now across the hills and vales
let’s sing out loudly “We love Wales!”

^{Poem composed and copyrighted by Julie CroadArtwork by Chaunce Lewis}

21/11/2023