Poet Pernant

The work and life of poet Pernant, Bob Owen, of Carmel.

Robert (Bob) Owen was born at Pen-y-Fron, Carmel, on 29 October 1902.

 

He died in Landudno Hospital on July 7th 1983.

During his life he wrote many poems and overcame many difficulties to achieve what he did.

He wrote "Melin y Coed", which was recorded by local group "Y Mellt" in the nineteen seventies. 

Pernant's life and works are again receiving attention thanks to this website, and his daughters are working to locate his poems for this page. Twenty four years after his death this may not be so easy. Do you have any of Pernant's work or memories of the man that you can share? Please help us fill this page in memory of Bob Owen. 

Here are the words to "Melin y Coed".

MELIN Y COED

Hen bentre bach llonydd fel nyth yr ehedydd

Rhwng breichiau o fronnydd yr harddaf erioed,

Y cwmwd gwyn tawel, dan sisial yr awel,

A'i gwinoedd mewn costrel yw Melin y Coed.

Cytgan:

Yn Melin y Coed, yn Melin y Coed

Cyn laned a'r Eirlys yw acen pob gwefus,

A phopeth yn felys yn Melin y Coed.

Dros Pennant a'i hinion a gwledd Nant y Goron

Daw'r adar yn ffyddlon i gadw yr oed,

A deuoedd i siarad dan hudlaeth y lleuad

Cân serch yw'r agoriad i Melin y Coed.

Cytgan

Dewch yno gyfeillion i hedd ei chymdogion

Cewch iechyd i'r galon, i'r llygaid a'r troed.

Cewch adrodd ei hanes a chofio ei hanwes

Mae aelwyd yn gynnes yn Melin y Coed.

Cytgan

MELIN Y COED (English)

This English version is still a work in progress:

Like nest of the swallow this little still village

Is nestled in loveliest hillsides and leas;

The breezes all whisper their peaceful sweet vesper

"Like wine in a bottle, the Mill in the Trees".

Chorus:

In Melin y Coed, In Melin y Coed,

As pure as the snowdrop - each lip is agreeing

That everything sweet is in Melin y Coed.

To Pennant's delights, to enjoy Nant y Goron

The birds fly so faithfully from o'er the seas;

The twosomes to talk in the magic of moonlight -

When love songs are keys to the Mill in the Trees.

Chorus

So come all dear friends to your neighbours so tranquil,

Your steps with love buoyed, and your hearts overjoyed.

Recount your old stories, remember love's glories -

The fireside's cosy in Melin y Coed.