My Country

My Country

Of all the places that I’ve seen

This is the place for me

Where the mountains reach up to the sky

Then sweep down to the sea.

For now I can breathe in God’s fresh air

Where once the pit-heads stood

And the rivers flow cool and sweet and clear

Where once they were murky and fouled.

See the lovely shades of the trees

Colours of every hue

Like sentinels standing watch

Over me and you.

Oh, this is a country full of charm

Its mountains, rivers, vales

And this is a country that I love,

My heritage, my Wales

- Sheila Jones

The above poem was written by my nan, Sheila. It was written sometime in her seventies, and is now kept in a silver frame by my mother. Not too many years ago, my nan passed away, and whilst I can’t ask her about the poem, I can be sure that it was written in homage to her home, Wales. Just looking at the above you can see how much she adored the country which she’ll always be a part of, and when looking at the Vocal + challenges, I knew that this would be a perfect fit.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this piece, because it deserves to be shared with as many people who want to read her words as possible. She’s my family, my home, and I will do right by her whenever and wherever I can.