Llechwydd you Welsh maiden

your nickname      slag

with your dark secrets

with your cloak of black

tall in the valley saddle

silver corsage to the sun

 

living with pressure known only

to the deeper Gods.

 

           The celts took your virginity

            burrowed in as you turned for solace to the sky

            shook your mane of rain

            running salt tears then bleaching

            you gave birth constantly

to children of slate clustered round your skirts

 

put to work on roofs, keepsakes

black humour on walls.