Dysgu i Ddweud yr Amser (Learning to Tell the Time)

St David's Clock Tower, Neath

'Mamgu, the big hand's on the eleven!'
Victoriana, like the bandstand in the gardens,
gothic tower standing proud and tall,
grey granite and gaudy yellow brick,
seen from under the pear tree at our garden's end.
'Mamgu, come 'yere and say the time!'
Craning neck to see above the wall,
squinting eyes to see across the distance
over garden, street and roof.

'Mammy, the small hand's by the five!'
(Easy peasy, I know what that means.)
Big hand moving imperceptibly on.
Tempus non fugit…wait…look…listen…
The silence stretches from here to Margam Steel Works and back.
Bong, bong, bong, bong, bong.
'Mammy, Tadcu'll be home for tea!'

© Janet Henderson 2011
Ideally should be read with a strong Neath accent!

Mamgu - grandmother, Tadcu - grandfather.