How could they stand by and watch?
their prince ‘beheaded’ and left to rot.
There were no farewells or goodbyes,
below the London tower; shouts and cries.
The cold hand of repression, laid its spell,
skies darkened; over a ‘head’ known well.
Lost native Prince of independent Wales,
Llwelyn ap Gruffyd; a champion, impaled.
Edward called Llwelyn, a rebel in 1277,
as he marched his army on Wales again.
His mission? to eradicate and disinherit,
to kill the genuine Prince, without merit.
Edward I rubbed his hands together,
inserted as king of Wales forever.
Rightful heir, slayed by Edward’ troops,
Llywelyn’ head; sent to England in 1282.
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd had been known to be,
our last defender of freedom and liberty.
Dark, angry clouds, gather North and South,
screams rippling into silence, buzz around.
The memory of Llwelyn, whispered, hushed,
tributes to his honour, vanish into dust.
Land of lakes, high mountains and deep valleys,
Llewelyn the true title holder in Cymru history.
The sun will shine again, directly overhead,
on a land born free, when the truth is read.
Victoria Healing ~ 15.6.2020.
©The Last Welsh Prince
References:
Llywelyn Ap Gruffudd, (died Dec. 11, 1282, near Builth, Powys, Wales)
Prince of Gwynedd in northern Wales. Within a year after his death Wales fell completely under English rule.
His head was carried to King Edward I, who ordered that it be displayed on a pike, in London. Apparently, it stayed on display for over 20 years. The rest of his body is purportedly buried at Abbey Cwmhir, northeast of Rhayader in Powys.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llywelyn_ap_Gruffudd…
Most historians have ignored or discounted the activities of the Welsh. Since then and to this day, the title Prince of Wales has traditionally been given to the intended successor to the English throne.
https://www.historynet.com/king-edward-i-invasion-of-wales.…
Image: Last true Prince of Wales. (Wales’ first taxes were payable in 1283)
The conquest by Edward I of the remainder of Wales by 1283 brought the introduction of English common law over the whole of the country. Welsh taxation developed from that point.
Hey Momma 
Very cool. I obviously know less than you, as my wit and wisdom on Sir L comes from Radio Albion, the host of which is conflicted between Welsh and English Nationalism. And while I’m ethnically English, I’m culturally a Yankee bred in New England. Which is all highly irrelevant to your well written poem. Well done!
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If we dig deep enough, there is a whole new world to explore. We are all relevant. Thanks for your interest and views. Muchly appreciated
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Of course.
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