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

THE HALL OF BRYN GWLAD

The night is cold, the wind is sad - keep warm!

Flee the storm and be glad!

Come to the hall of Bryn Gwlad!

Mighty timbers built this place

that stands on the mountain's face,

a tall, great hall, rich with grace. 

Here many gather, rich and poor - to feast

and share increased rapport. 

Songs and tales, legends of lore

tell of Bryn Gwlad's honor. 

Adventure, sorrow and wit

combine to warm the spirit. 

Each story is our favorite - in praise

of our days as it fit. 

As for the sailor: the sun; 

for the bard: inspiration. 

For the baron: a lady

that he and she may be one. 

Together they hold this land

with a firm, yet graceful hand. 

With their honor in command

Bryn Gwlad is a proud land!

Of our heroes we rejoice,

great men and women of poise. 

True respect demands a voice - 

for them we make a loud noise!

Sir Ricardo is a knight

of great gusto and bold pride. 

Staunch crusader, by his might

many Saracen have died. 

Our people defend our land

with wisdom, skill and insight. 

In these Mistress Clare can win,

a warrior in her own right. 

Anebairn MacPharlaine stands sure

in knowledge, tall in stature.  

Yet we rarely see him here:

he studies in a tower. 

Iolo sings

to knaves and kings.

To each he brings

magic feelings.

A subtle man

of skillful hand,

his music can 

make us feel grand!

Has anyone seen Don Tivar?

When he competes with rapier,

he moves faster than lightning!

A man of courtly style and grace,

in battle few men see his face,

he sets a pace most frightening!

One need not seek Lady Jarique to find her near. 

Of sound physique, she is not weak and has no fear,

nor is she meek, but pround to speak with any peer.

Lady Jarique is quite unite: a patron dear!

Good Mistress Branwen is somone

who works with Ceridwen's cauldron. 

Bard of our people, champion 

of magic words for Albion. 

Though she walks with thoughts in the sky,

Chiara's beauty none deny.

Yet vision can belie - her deadly gift

to be swift as foes die!

Across the field, his tunes all hear

announcing Bryn Gwlad is near!

Humble, strong and austere - enemies fear

the fine piper, Alasdair!

Galen of Bristol came from afar

for Destiny is his guiding star. 

Once a great prince, now he likes to spar

in a land where greatness is the par.  

Seanna de Fraser, no one is braver 

  and we remember her valiant style. 

Our first baroness had a fine finesse

  and a hardiness none could defile. 

She is well worthy of nobility, 

  a lovely lady with a bright smile,

For though she has gone to the viking region, 

  her legend lives on all the while!

Call for Pietar Beograd - his feasts

have the finest meats in Bryn Gwlad!

Call Pietar Beograd! We want more!

Hungry are the warriors of Bryn Gwlad!

To preserve the memory of our past

Mistress Zinaida is steadfast. 

With diligence and talents vast - quite rare,

she inscribes our heritage to last. 

There is much honor found in duty:

to serve well with high integrity,

to act with responsibility,

to make our home strong and keep it free.

Tonight we honor one most worthy - Vivat!

All hail Lady Katrina Marie!

As a captain of the Bryn Gwlad Guard,

Don Dupre always worked very hard. 

All who knew him, held him in high regard

for his courage and honor were unmarred. 

Now Don Dupre's face is well scarred - good pay,

and now he always plays very hard!

With Svavadis, none compare:

fierce in beauty, bold and fair, 

piercing eyes and soft brown hair,

like a falcon in the air, 

strong and eager - prey beware!

Her joyful songs she will share

inspiring us to wild deed,

and with her mead, we prepare!

The night grows old, the wind blows cold, stay warm - be glad!

Good tales were told here in the hold of Bryn Gwlad.

Much drink was had with each ballad, in our riposte

against the mad wind and we have had fine wine and roast. 

We stand (almost) to thank our host, and we thank God

for all we boast.  This is our toast:  to Bryn Gwlad!

        - Thomas of Tenby

              A.S. XXI

Bard