A Letter to the Dead: Collected Poems

‘ Between now and then, I will offer you
A fist full of rock cress fresh from the bank
The valley tips of garlic red with dew
Cooler than shallots, a breath you can swank

In the village when you come. At noon-day
I will offer you a choice bowl of cawl
Served with a ‘ lover’ s’ spoon and a chopped spray
Of leeks or savori fach, not used now,

In the old way you’ ll understand. The din
Of children singing through the eyelet sheds
Ringing smith hoops, chasing the butt of hens’

Lynette Roberts is one of t...