Day on the Heart of Wales Railway

Chugging along through the heart of Wales,
one or two coaches hugging the rails,
platform request stops for walking the trail
– make note of the time to be back without fail!
The tree growth is slapping, carriage sides chopping
– in through the window the fragments drift, dropping;
lush fertile fields, and soft hillsides surround,
bridging bright rivers, then tunnel underground,
viaduct far views, hedge roses’ pink blush,
hoot, slow, approaching the driveways that cross,
then pick up the speed with a catching-up rush …

Craven Arms, Broome, Hopton Heath,
Bucknell, Knighton, Knucklas,
Llangynllo, Llanbister, Dolau,
Pen-y-bont, Llandrindod, Cilmeri,
Garth, Llangammarch, Llanwrtyd,
Cynghordy, Llandymddyfri,
Llanwrda, Llangadog, Llandeilo,
Ffairfach, Llandybie, Rhydaman,
Pantyffynon, Pontarddulais, Llangennech,
Bynea …

Suddenly more houses, shoppers and bustle,
commuters, and pressures of daily hustle …

Llanelli, Gowerton, Abertawe (Swansea).

After four hours journey, we’ll savour the sight
of Singleton Park, and the sea and the sand,
and return up the line by the evening light.