Three Daughters


Source of the River Severn, Plynlimon.

Old Man Plynlimon sits in central Wales
From there, three daughters run down to the coast,
their light-reflecting beauty never fails.
Each has a special charm – or so they boast.

Young Rheidol, fast and giggly, makes her way
precipitately to the nearest shore,
tumbling and falling, she will only stay
a moment, and then hurries on once more.

Now Severn, grand and stately, carves her route
through hill and gorge, and after, field and town.
She slows, makes space for moorhen, swan and coot,
then spreads her skirts and dons a sea-like gown.

And lovely Wye selects the middle speed:
she winds through woods that crowd her gentle slopes,
past spires of churches, ruins – all we need
for peaceful contemplation of our hopes.

These rivers rise upon the same green hill
and in my homesick heart, they flow there still.         

Elizabeth Horrocks


If you have any thoughts about this poem, Elizabeth Horrocks would be pleased to hear them