5 and a1/2 months in & out of hospital led to my operation at the Cavale Blanche, Brest 2 weeks ago, all my tubes have gone but for my temporary (3 months) bag; yesterday I began 3 weeks convalescence in Carhaix.

Operated on Tuesday morning, had my first proper meal today (Sunday) at mid-day, fish & boiled potatoes accompanied by an apple & banana compote and a café au lait. Three tubes leading out of my body, my stomach's still a bit sore, especially when I  cough, which is a bit too often, otherwise I'm feeling very well. Another few days here at the Cavale Blanche, Brest, then 3 weeks convalescence probably/hopefully at Carhaix.

W.H.DAVIES

A Fleeting Passion

Though shalt not laugh, though shalt not romp,

Let's grimly kiss with bated breath;

As quietly and solemnly

As life when it is kissing Death.

Now in the silence of the grave,

My hand is squeezing that soft breast;

While thou dost in such passion lie,

It mocks me with its look of rest.

But when the morning comes at last,

And we must part, our passions cold,

You'll think of some new feather, scarf

To buy with my small piece of gold,

And I'll be dreaming of green lanes,

Where little things with beating hearts

Hold shining eyes between the leaves,

Till men with horses pass, and carts.

IDRIS DAVIES

Merthyr Tydfil:

To The Memory of Keir Hardie

They have talked of Merthyr Tydfil,

wherever men were free.

To honour those who toiled and died,

for human liberty.

And men have told her troubled tale,

to spur the sons of men.

When hopes were faint or flagging,

to lift their hearts again.

R. S. THOMAS

A Day In Autumn

It will not always be like this,

The air windless, a few last

Leaves adding their decoration

To the trees' shoulders, braiding the cuffs

Of the boughs with gold, a bird preening

In the lawns mirror. Having looked up

From the day's chores, pause a minute,

Let the mind take its photograph

Of the bright scene, something to wear

Against the heart in the long cold.

HEDD WYN

Yr Ysgwrn

'A gwelais wrth gerdded mwsog dy lwybrau

Gestyll henllwyd a phrudd,

Ar hen dywysogion drengodd ym mwydrau

Yno yn codi o angof eu beddau

Yn fanadl a llygaid dydd.'