THE BUILDERS OF BRYN GWLAD

A traveler saw a tall hall - warm home

to welcome one and all

as legends later recall.

What makes a barony great?

Honor? Courage? Purpose? Fate?

A strong wall - an open gate!

Knights defend while monks may pray - others build

with hands well-skilled to stay.

Donal woke one bright blue day

calling them to hie his way.

As these began to gather,

three were often leading there:

Alfred and Jehan these were - and this man:

Duncan McConacher!

Charles strives to build his best

(this testament is honest)

and when Catalina plies

her work: a prize well-blessed.

Jonathan is one who gives

without hold - the way he lives.

Johann also boldly thrives

and much his effort achieves.

Madog, known as Og, finds joy,

dedication: his employ.

Faelen, famous for his poise,

gladly labors, gladly toils.

Arthur (not the king) is known

for good service to his home.

Alaric (too) tall for friends,

a man of many talents.

Christian and Clare - noble both

in troth and steadfast duty,

working well in many ways,

deserving praise for beauty.

Name the task. Taisha is near

bringing a helpful hammer.

Ricardo stands brave and well

with pickaxe or with shovel.

Aerin also has no fear

lifting a saw or auger.

Lowrie aids each carpenter,

anchors planks, holds the ladder.

Hands together create more

than hands apart - true valor!

When weather turns

worse, sorrow yearns

for warmth to burn -

at a tavern?

Good men must rest

to do their best.

What better cheer

than with good beer?

From his florilegium

Stefan is ruddy now to come

to lend his learning and lore.

From his brewing, Phelim comes

and as he works, he often hums

a tune from the night before!

Now please adore this well made floor and if you please

do not ignore the cost of chore: young Ian's knees!

The wiling Wrenne kneeled near him then to help build more

until and when their regimen was all they swore:

behind the door, no feet be sore! So if you please

pray underscore their art galore - and grant them ease!

Begin with skill, but also care:

Ashlin gently gathers horsehair,

crafting brushes to plash the air

with colors cream and green and fair.

Myfanwy wants to do her part:

she dances with an eager heart.

Audette nearby, she sings to start

and both apply their lovely art!

Key Conner pledges his wealth

of knowledge and skills to help,

nailing rafters or a shelf,

always glad to give himself.

Blessed be the shelter from the storm,

the space that keeps us safe and warm.

The world is vast - and many do not last

its ever blasting swarm.

The men who climb the windy height

to thatch protection from our plight:

Eule and Gideon and everyone,

their work has shunned the night!

Tivar and Aethelyan won fame

long before most gentles found a name,

yet they remain worthy of this claim,

working hard and playing hard the same!

Those who bear the name of Moondragon:

Rosalind, Briony, Robert the son,

have lifted paint as one - to change our view

with light hue beneath the smiling sun!

Patron or painter, Sibilla lends

thoughtful generosity to friends.

Matron or mother, Jehanne extends

graceful hospitality that sends

a strength to each who bends - to tasks at hand.

The day is good! Gratitude ascends!

Tis good for men to love their present pain:

Pendaran and Humility - a chain

(which binds him to the honor of this reign)

while working with his folk on their domain.

The measure of a man whose gain is talked

where once he walked - and where his thoughts remain.

Bards and pilgrims often tell

of the places others dwell,

homes of heroes, large and small,

those who welcome one and all.

Later, what will you recall?

A good people, a great hall,

gifts of friendship given well,

as legends tell . .

Thomas of Tenby

A.S. XXXVI