Celfypridd

Freedom

There is a photograph of Freedom Park

my mother father and sister

stand in front of the open gates

I am a child in my mother’s arms.

An uncle had died of TB

a particularly virulent strain

one more uncle was in Dublin

in a TB ward never to return.

There was no freedom here

a grandmother of one faith

married to a grandfather

of a faith state recognised.

But the freedom was of love

the way they joshed and laughed

cocking a snook at convention

in dangerous times for either.

Their loved persevered

in spite of the disconnection

families estranged rejection

and so the lesson was learned.

A lesson passed down

to following generations.

Voices on the Bridge at Pontypridd Museum.

What a venue for a night of poetry readings and music! Surrounded by Miners Lodge Banners and overlooked by a portrait of Lady Charlotte Guest! A successful night with a great turnout!

Bridging

Bridges aren’t just about getting somewhere

in this age of having to get somewhere

or to be somebody whatever that means.

Bridges are about connections

about joining one side to another

to join divides and separations.

Bridges span different views

bridges connect generations

make things  come together

make old things new

bridges make life possible

bridges span and connect

bridges aren’t about divisions

bridges join and mend

the gulfs between us

help us speak to one another

allow us to bring things in

allow us to take things out

allow us to meet and share

allow us to see things anew

to span divides, connect, renew.

Bridges are life givers

so let’s join together

and not let divides

part us from life

or keep us away

from one another.

Bridges give meaning

so let’s build bridges together.

©RobCullen

Thanks to Mab Jones for photograph.