Llandrindod Wells

Llandrindod Wells: full praise of bells?
Perhaps a hint of sombre knells?
Bright days of Queen Victoria
with spa, smart shops, emporia?
They came, top hats and crinoline,
landaus and broughams, class within,
or sky steam etched above the station,
close Metropole and Spa relation,
find sparkling social jocularity,
wealth talks with pleasures’ insularity.

February – not a good time of the year
to see a place that’s melancholy near.

However, Rock Park and its Spa
narrate a tale things better are:
a few cars parked: comes out and leaves
a youngish man, no golden sheaves
of income: maybe more’s hidden
by heritage: sees many bidden
in Summer months for pleasure there
despite despondence in the air.

The river Ithon and its waterfall
turns thoughts to beauty plunge and call.

Where is the wide array of shops –
perhaps a sign the standard drops,
like those now barbers, second-hand,
and charities’ fund-raising band:
in faded towns such often gather,
with frothy coffee, hair style lacquer:
seek rather, shops of special themes
to captivate a buyer’s dreams,
that cater for the specialist,
put new ideas upon their list:
such places show an energy,
and speak a lively strategy. 

Llandrindod has its history,
lie better days in mystery
of coming years, restoring much
with new creative culture touch.