Names
His name was Rhita Gawr.
A giant. He wove a cloak
of beards he tore from folk.
He defeated many kings.
The petty, boastful kind.
Then Arthur came. Not taller,
but a sword that was stronger
that gave no quarter
to bullies. They buried Gawr
under umpteen rocks. It snowed.
The mountain's name? Snowden,
in English, Yr Wyddfa
in Welsh ... the burial place.
A giant. He wove a cloak
of beards he tore from folk.
He defeated many kings.
The petty, boastful kind.
Then Arthur came. Not taller,
but a sword that was stronger
that gave no quarter
to bullies. They buried Gawr
under umpteen rocks. It snowed.
The mountain's name? Snowden,
in English, Yr Wyddfa
in Welsh ... the burial place.
This poem is copyright (©) Phil Wood 2024
About the Writer
Phil Wood
Phil was born and lives in Wales. He studied English Literature at Aberystwyth University. He has worked in statistics, education, shipping and a biscuit factory. He enjoys watercolour painting, bird watching and chess. His writing can be found in various publications, including: The Wild Word, Autumn Sky Daily, Abergavenny Small Press, Ink Pantry, Ink Sweat and Tears, Streetcake Magazine and in a collaboration with John Winder.
