On Calan Gaeaf

On Calan Gaeaf

Introduction

This villanelle tries to capture the beauty and mysticism of Calan Gaeaf (kah'-lun guy'-uhv, a traditional Welsh festival marking the start of winter.

Through the cyclical structure of the villanelle, the poem attempts to portray the ancient observance of the waning of summer’s long days, the waxing of winter’s long nights, and the enduring nature of traditions that connect the living to the myths of our past.

On the night of Nos Galan Gaeaf (Nōs gah'-lun guy'-uhv) (winter's eve), the veil between the living and the dead may be weakened, allowing spirits to pass into the world of the living. But by the following night, Calan Gaeaf, the focus shifts to the coming winter. In the story portrayed here, those supernatural elements, while still present, are weakening.

In the legend of the Hwch Ddu Gwta (hooch tay' gwu-tah' - the "ch" is a suppressed throat clearing sound, as in the Scottish "loch"), a fearsome spectral sow (literally, "black tailess sow") roams the countryside.

The Gwyllgi (gwill'-gee), an apparition in the form of a black dog, recognized in ancient myths as an omen of forboding and death, may hunt the Hwch Ddu Gwta, especially once Gaeaf has truly begun.

An "awenydd" (a win' ee th) is, roughly, a druidic poet/priest, who can communicate with the spirit world. The plural form, used here, is "awenyddion" (a win' ee thee' on). During the seasonal festivities, fires are lit, and people gather to hear their ancient tales.

Gwrach y Rhibyn (Goor-ach' ee Rhee'-bin) is a legendary Welsh hag/witch, who hurls lamentations and curses, and is able to cause great harm and mayhem. Though arguably supernatural, the hag as portrayed here is a corporeal presence from the living world. Her powers threaten all—even unwelcome visitors from the spectral plane. Her presence here may mark a final passage from Nos Galan Gaeaf's mischiefs to the earthly challenges of wintertime, as contemplated in "On Calan Gaeaf."

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On Calan Gaeaf

(A villanelle for the start of winter in Wales)

On Calan Gaeaf, snow falls on the bay,
The last of autumn's light may legends hold.
The Gwyllgi hunts, Hwch Ddu Gwta his prey.

‘Round fires lit, as clouds brush fields of gray,
Awenyddions' ancient tales are told.
On Calan Gaeaf, snow falls on the bay.

In echo'ng hills the black and blacker bray;
Both hound and hunted sow flee gaeaf's cold.
The Gwyllgi hunts, Hwch Ddu Gwta his prey.

A tattered, wizened figure strides the quay,
Gwrach y Rhibyn weaves her magics old.
On Calan Gaeaf, snow falls on the bay.

Does telling ancient stories make them stay?
Should winter shadows’ legends be fortold?
The Gwyllgi hunts, Hwch Ddu Gwta his prey.

Let ancient tales of autumn fade away,
Nor winter harbor apparytions bold.
On Calan Gaeaf, snow falls on the bay,
The Gwyllgi hunts, Hwch Ddu Gwta his prey.

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All poetry and text © Copyright Patrick L. Mills 2024. All Rights Reserved.