by Casi Wyn
Why is it that some poets are more ‘discoverable’ than others? Is it all down to the works left behind or does circumstance also contribute to how the poet’s tale is told?
When I was approached to develop a radio documentary that pays tribute to a poet named Alun Lewis, I was immediately curious. Having studied the great Welsh voices of yesterday and today at school, Lewis was an unfamiliar name.
As my reading deepened, I came to realise that his story held great weight – however, so much of Wales, especially the younger generation, is yet to hear of his heartbreaking yet enlightening journey. A Welsh wordsmith from the southern Welsh valley of Cwmaman, Alun Lewis produced so much poetry during his short life of twenty eight years. His work not only informs us of his perception – and version – of Wales, but it equally stands alone as stunning, eloquent and visual verbal pieces.
Lewis was a pacifist, therefore to confine him in being a ‘war poet’ would be unfair to his essence. What he represents during his lifetime and beyond extends further than repressive definitions. But war persists on being the most recurring theme in his poetry, the times’ horrors holding a certain tragical urgency to his writing.
During our new radio documentary on Alun, we shed new light on old verses. In Postscript for Alun, we pay tribute to this Welshman’s innate and unique ways of expression. A gifted Welsh poet – whose sensitivity is able to transform the reader. A poet whose words continue to resonate with us today, perhaps more so than ever.
2024 marks 80 years since the death of the Welsh poet Alun Lewis. Regarded by many as Britain’s finest Second World War Poet, Casi Wyn traces his literary evolution in the BBC radio documentary Postscript for Alun: The Legacy of Alun Lewis, available on iPlayer now
Casi Wyn
Casi Wyn (she/her) is a Welsh singer and composer who held the role of Wales’ Youth Poet Laureate for two years. Her works have been performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and most recently Sinfonia Cymru. She’s also the creative director and editor of independent Welsh magazine, Codi Pais.
Cantores a chyfansoddwraig o ddinas Bangor yw Casi Wyn (hi/hi). Hi oedd Bardd Plant Cymru 2021 – 2023. Mae hi wedi perfformio ei cherddoriaeth ar lwyfannau SXSW, BBC Proms yn y Parc yn ogystal a thaith genedlaethol ddiweddar gyda Sinfonia Cymru.
Follow her on Instagram/Dilynwch hi ar Instagram @casiwyn