Synopsis of the Great Welsh Novel
By Harri Webb
Dai K lives at the end of a valley. One is not quite sure
whether it has been drowned or not. His Mam *satirising prevalent
Loves him too much and his Dada drinks. references to Tryweryn
As for his girlfriend Blodwen, she’s pregnant. So
Are all the other girls in the village – there’s been a Revival.
After a performance of Elijah, the mad preacher * reminiscent of Dylan
Davies the Doom has burnt the chapel down. Thomas’ Rev. Eli
One Saturday night after the dance at the Con Club, Jenkins
With the Free Wales Army up to no good in the back lanes,
A stranger comes to the village; he is, of course,
God, the well known television personality. He succeeds
In confusing the issue, whatever it is, and departs
On the last train before the line is closed.
The colliery blows up, there is a financial scandal
Involving all the most respected citizens; the Choir
Wins at the National. It is all seen, naturally,
Through the eyes of a sensitive boy who never grows up.
The men emigrate to America, Cardiff and the moon. The girls
Find rich and foolish English husbands. Only daft Ianto *colloquial
Is left to recite the Complete Works of Sir Lewis Morris Welsh
To puzzled sheep, before throwing himself over
The edge of the abandoned quarry. One is not quite sure
Whether it is fiction or not.
The title instantly foreshadows a satirical tone. The speaker encapsulates
in this poem the features that recur in the typical Welsh novel. The
By Harri Webb
Dai K lives at the end of a valley. One is not quite sure
whether it has been drowned or not. His Mam *satirising prevalent
Loves him too much and his Dada drinks. references to Tryweryn
As for his girlfriend Blodwen, she’s pregnant. So
Are all the other girls in the village – there’s been a Revival.
After a performance of Elijah, the mad preacher * reminiscent of Dylan
Davies the Doom has burnt the chapel down. Thomas’ Rev. Eli
One Saturday night after the dance at the Con Club, Jenkins
With the Free Wales Army up to no good in the back lanes,
A stranger comes to the village; he is, of course,
God, the well known television personality. He succeeds
In confusing the issue, whatever it is, and departs
On the last train before the line is closed.
The colliery blows up, there is a financial scandal
Involving all the most respected citizens; the Choir
Wins at the National. It is all seen, naturally,
Through the eyes of a sensitive boy who never grows up.
The men emigrate to America, Cardiff and the moon. The girls
Find rich and foolish English husbands. Only daft Ianto *colloquial
Is left to recite the Complete Works of Sir Lewis Morris Welsh
To puzzled sheep, before throwing himself over
The edge of the abandoned quarry. One is not quite sure
Whether it is fiction or not.
The title instantly foreshadows a satirical tone. The speaker encapsulates
in this poem the features that recur in the typical Welsh novel. The
