Harri Webb (7/9/20 - 31/12/94) - The Red, White and Green

A poem for St David's Day

Harri Webb was one of Wales's most popular poets, known for his wit and erudition , for his historical perspective and awareness of contemporary realities, and in Wales he enjoyed the status of People's Poet.
Born in Swansea, spent much of his life as a librarian, in Mountain Ash and Merthyr Tydfil. In the 1970's he took part in the BBC Wales programme, Poems and Pints.
Though he was an individualist, his political slant was one of Welsh Republican Socialism.
After a long period of illness he moved to St. David's Nursing Home in St.Helen's Road, Swansea.
It was here that he died in his sleep on the morning of 31 December 1994.

The Red, White and Green
reprinted from
Harri Webb / Collected Poems
Gomer, 1995.

On the first day of March we remember
St.David the pride of our land,
Who taught us the stern path of duty
And for freedom and truth made a stand.

So here's to the sons of Saint David,
Those youngsters so loyal and keen
Who'll haul down the red, white and blue, lads,
And hoist up the red, white and green.

In the dark gloomy days of December
We mourn for Llywellyn with pride
Who fell in defence of his country
With eighteen brave men by his side.

So here's to the sons of LLywellyn,
The heirs of that valiant eighteen
Who'll haul down the red, white and blue, lads,
And hoist up the red, white and green.

In the warm, golden days of September,
Great Owain Glyndwr took the field,
For fiften long years did he struggle
And never the dragon did yield.

So here's to the son of Great Owain,
Who'll show the proud Sais what we mean
When we haul down the red, white and blue, lads,
And hoist up the red, white and green.

There are many more names to remember
And some that will never be known
Who were loyal to Wales and the gwerin
And defied all the might of the throne.

So here's to the sons of the gwerin
Who care not for the prince or for queen,
Who'll haul down the red, white and blue, lads,
And hoist up the red, white and green!

By the way, I love Wales
But avoid the nationalism
I prefer the mystical, deep streams
Let no man be a slave - heddwch/Peace