I felt at home, spending a few days in a city claiming that more poetry is needed. Abertawe (Swansea), the birthplace of Dylan Thomas (yes, him, again), of which he said it was « a pretty ugly town » (great pun very difficult to translate in French), which admirably captures what one feels in Abertawe. The city was rebuilt in a hurry after being destroyed during World War II, and it can be seen everywhere. There is still a sense, nonetheless, of what it was before thanks to a few buildings. There is also, of course, the undeniable trace of Dylan Thomas, who was born there, who is referenced everywhere in the city: the Dylan Thomas Center, the theatre, his quotes embedded everywhere, etc., gives it an undeniable charm, at least in my eyes. That’s without counting the marina, the seaside and Mumbles, at the beginning of what is called the Gowers, a series of beautiful bays. And a city that does not hesitate to say that the world needs poetry will always make me feel welcome.
