Cottages at Abereddi (Poetry)

The old roofs were more picturesque,
poignant in their disrepair,
their grouted curves like prows of ships
gnawed away by salt-sharp air.

They've been replaced now - modernised
and though immune to draft and leak,
they've traded in all character
and lost what made them so unique.

The modern builder seems at odds
with artisans of rustic style,
his soulless efforts seldom spark
an interested gaze or smile.

True restoration's art requires
a hand that does more good than harm -
aesthetics rule, so tell us, do -
just when it was they outlawed charm.




This painting is reproduced from the book, David Bellamy's Pembrokeshire, with the kind permission of the copyright holder.