R S Thomas

I met RS many years ago at Manafon and, having heard about him from time to time and savouring his poems, it is a great joy to have arrived at this place as Vicar, and to learn of his life and work here. His poetry has always been thought provoking and sometimes painful, but it is only recently that the great depth of his writing has become clearer to many.

The people of Aberdaron remember him with affection. He was kind and thoughtful to those in need or trouble. He is remembered for the little things such as baking cakes and taking them in his pocket to have tea with elderly members of his flock. He could be jolly and bring a smile to a sad face. He was a diligent visitor. He played football and cricket at the Vicarage with the village youths. His empathy with those who struggled in poor cottages and who worked hard to scrape a living from the land and sea, can be felt in his poems, as they explore his own struggle to sense the presence of God in the often lonely and empty places, where his prayers were offered. His sense of frustration at the acceptance of the hard life is clearly seen in his verses.

In his priesthood, his creative self found expression in words. As a poet, he explored the deep, deep sense of the divine and gave us the words we need, but could not bring forth, to express our own spiritual struggle and our own rare glimpses of joy. He was a quiet, shy and introspective man, whose work has brought a new understanding to many. His heart was not in the great important places, but in the fields and footpaths – with the seabirds and the flora and fauna of Llŷn.

We give thanks here at Aberdaron and Llanfaelrhys for his ministry and his life on Llŷn. He has left a treasure in his poetry and, by allowing us to share in his struggle, he has encouraged us on our own journeys.