Tenby Museum and Art Gallery’s curator Mark Lewis has joined people across Wales and the world in paying homage to Dylan Thomas on ‘Dylan Day’ with his peom ‘Hope’ which was selected as one of the 30 winners of the ‘Love The Words’ International Poetry Competition run by Infinity Books.

The compeition was judged by Dylan Thomas’ granddaughter Hannah.

Every year, ‘Love the Words’ (a quote from Dylan Thomas) asks for contributions to its annual poetry competition as part of International Dylan Thomas Day, May 14.

This year, writers around the world were asked to enter poems on the theme of ‘hope’. From just over 200 entries, then, comes this collection of 30 poems, all very different, by adults and also (where an age is given) by children.

The entries were co-judged by Dylan’s grand-daughter and creative director of Dylan Day, Hannah, and by poet and former coordinator Mab Jones.

Mark’s poem is as follows and you can enjoy more on Dylan Thomas Day here: https://www.discoverdylanthomas.com/discover-dylan-thomas-blog

‘HOPE’ by Mark Lewis

It had seemed hidden for some time Behind curtains and banners

And headlines.

But

It moved

In dances and applause.

In cards and telephone calls.

It breathed between neighbours And friends and mothers.

It spoke in the laughter of children. It held the hand of those alone

And sang the songs

Of those who had no voice.

It came in sunlight and in flowers. It worked the wards and corridors. It turned a smile upon us

When we held our heads down.

It raised the roof

In shooting stars and magic moons. It smiled behind masks.

It waited, patient, still.

Be patient, it said, wait.

I am here. I am waiting.

I am ready.