Ode To Cardiff

Cardiff, Caerdydd! Eighteen years have passed
Walking down these same streets, knowing this time's the last
I can't help feeling sad, yet excited too-
Sad at leaving the familiar, but embracing the new.

Memories forged in the heart of the city-
As I grew, 'Town' held fresh meanings for me.
Birth of independence; shopping with friends,
Trying shoes, seeing films, giggling through weekends.

Amgueddfa Cymru, work experience for a week-
The woolly mammoth's head fell off and made the kiddies shriek!
And Castell Coch, a fairy castle rivalling Neuschwannstein,
Majestic mountains, clear waters whisper in channels old as time.

Historic reminders give Cardiff its soul;
The castle- new stone demarcated from old,
Narrow labyrinth-streets made for horses, not cars,
At Christmas, Norwegian firs reach to the stars.

A jumble, sweet muddles of pleasure and pain,
Running hand-in-hand with my first love in the rain,
Primary school big enough to house my imagination,
After rock gigs, singing in the streets while crawling to the station.
Our ballet show inside Saint David's Hall; the night when I
Twirled in tulle, feathers and glitter, feeling just like I could fly.

Yet really it's all the small things I'll miss most-
Friends living on each corner; surprises in the post
Hijacking swings in the park; nearby LIDL
For chocolate and apple loops: sleepover nibbles!
Post-exam results, meeting at Starbucks to moan
Or rejoice; fraccuppinos with fresh cream our first choice!
The Big Weekend; the monument to Scott down in the Bay,
That reminds me, weirdly, of ice-cream... The chapel where I played
My violin at Christmas; the opera house, Welsh glass and slate
Fondly named 'the Armadillo', but to me it looks just great!
The fierce duck armada, when, armed with bread I come
To Roath Park; the sweet rose garden there,
Lake a mirror in the sun.

This time next week I will be packed, all set for life in Bath,
A new city, a new home, a place to love and live and laugh;
And though I have to leave to learn, exploring 'pastures new',
Cardiff, there'll always be a place inside my heart for you! :)