0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- "Here's my question - I'm wondering"
0:00:09 > 0:00:11- "Here's my question - I'm wondering"- - "I was arrested in haste"
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- "It leaves a bad taste - like chewing tobacco"
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- "A mischievous translucent glow, - a true proverb in trembling flow"
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- "Mesmerizing with his moaning"
0:00:20 > 0:00:21- "Humorous like Madog Dwygraig"
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- "The weirdos in green and white - are filming Dr Who"
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- In this programme...
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- ..we meet seven young, talented - Welsh people who are very different.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- As we follow them - in their everyday life...
0:00:40 > 0:00:45- ..we'll see how curry and - the Quakers are important to Iwan...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..why Catrin impersonates a girl - from Patagonia...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..why dinosaurs - are so important to Eurig...
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- ..why Hywel spends so much time - in the water...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- ..how Aneirin can rap - in Breton as well as Welsh...
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- ..why Rhys loves fast cars - and lager so much...
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- ..and why Osian's inspiration - is Nirvana and John ac Alun.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- Seven different people with one - thing in common - they're all poets.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- They're well versed - in the thrill of competition.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- There's nothing like the experience - of being in the pavilion.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- I can feel the excitement - in the air.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Twenty minutes - before the ceremony...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35- ..the crowd start looking out - to see poets arriving.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- I was holding the banner - when Mererid Hopwood won in 2001.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- I was running to the ceremony - because I was late.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- Someone had seen me running - and thought I'd won!
0:01:47 > 0:01:48- It's a bigger game every year.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- In the past eight years, these seven - have been very successful.
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- Between them, five of our poets - have six Urdd Eisteddfod Chairs...
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- ..and one has a Literary Medal.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Now, in their mid-20s, and - too old to compete in the Urdd...
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- ..they're making their mark - in the National Eisteddfod.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- One has been crowned, one has been - second three times for the Chair...
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- ..and the crowd anticipates - future success in the pink pavilion.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- How do you deal - with a sensitive situation...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- ..when good friends - start competing for the same prize?
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- You keep it quiet - when you are competing.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- Tension can arise sometimes, - but it's kept to a minimum...
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- ..in terms of - who's competing for what...
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- ..especially when the closing date - for a competition approaches.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- People start bluffing - - have I, haven't I?
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- No-one will admit to it.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- I've competed for the Chair - for the past three years.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- I've been second three years - in a row.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- The feeling is worse. Had I won, - I would have known what to expect.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06- Have you entered...?
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- Have you entered...?- - No, not this year. Seriously!
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- You don't know what the adjudicators - will say about you.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- I can feel my heart beating, - I can feel it move.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- The first to taste success - was Iwan...
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- ..when he won the Urdd Chair - in 2001 and in 2008.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- He's published a volume - of 365 "englynion"...
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- ..a 4-line strict-metre verse - for every day of the year.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- At Aberystwyth University he became - friends with the other poets...
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- ..and started - writing poetry in earnest.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- Iwan has worked in Cardiff - for the past year...
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- ..but his work is influenced - by another city.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- For six months, I lived - on the Curry Mile in Manchester...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- ..at a time when I was writing - an englyn a day.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Curry became an ingredient - in a number of englynion.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Here's one to the Curry Mile.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- "City slickers congregate
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- "At the Tandoori house to taste
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- "From the saucepans on to the plate
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- "An Indian meal - makes Britain Great."
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- I loved living in Manchester, - especially on the Curry Mile.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- It was packed with colour, - lights and wonderful aromas.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- There was a buzz about the place - - something was always happening.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- If Manchester was in Wales, - I'd be happy to settle there.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- Iwan makes me laugh - in a bizarre fashion.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- A very strange sense of humour - but funny at the same time.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- Sometime the humour is dark, - sometimes it's weird.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- It's humour many people like.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- As well as eating curries...
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- ..I also asked Angharad to marry me - while I was in Manchester.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- I asked her live on Daf Du's radio - show, in the form of an englyn.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- "Here's my question - I'm wondering, - Angharad, my darling
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- "Will you take the gold in my ring?
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- "Marry me, - make me feel like a king"
0:05:07 > 0:05:08- Luckily, she agreed.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- Iwan's unusual proposal - was a shock to his parents...
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- ..let alone Angharad herself.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- You went to the toilet - just before I was on the radio.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- You didn't want me to miss it.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- You'd been on the radio - many times before.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- It didn't matter to me - if I missed the start.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- I was panicking - I had visions - of it being a huge flop.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- The wedding was unusual too.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- Iwan is a Baptist, - Angharad is a Quaker.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- The order of services - differs greatly.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- My faith is important to me.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- Since Angharad was a Quaker, - we discussed our beliefs.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- I learnt a lot - about the beliefs of the Quakers.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- It's a life - that appeals to me very much.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Their meetings are very simple.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- They meet in silence, - without a minister or hymns.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Angharad and I have had prayer - meetings on this bench in the park.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Iwan was only 12 - when he started learning...
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- ..the most complex form of poetry - - "cynghanedd" - strict alliteration.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- He was drawn to poetry books at home.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- His fascination - was inspired by colour.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Look at these disgusting colours.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- The National Eisteddfod's - Compositions and Adjudications.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- These colours attracted me - to them in my early teens.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Without these books, - I wouldn't be writing cynghanedd.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- When I tell people I write poetry...
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..the first question they ask - is, "Why?"
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- I don't really know how to answer.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- It's something mentioned - in the "hobbies" box...
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- ..rather than the top box.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- It might be something that happens - when you can speak Welsh.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- I can understand many languages - but I only write poetry in Welsh.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- It's the language - I can express my feelings.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- It's written and performed in public - through the medium of Welsh.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- There's a long tradition - of Welsh poetry.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- We'd have a harder time - if we were poets in England.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- I lived in England for a year and - when I told people I wrote poetry...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- ..I had to explain it - in the historical Welsh context.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Saying "I'm a poet" isn't - the same as saying "I write poetry."
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- You have a better chance - of finding a girlfriend in Wales...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- ..if you tell them you write poetry!
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Catrin won the Literary Medal - in the 2005 Urdd Eisteddfod.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- She almost won - the Crown, Chair and Drama Medal...
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- ..eleven times in five years.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- I always used to dress up and - perform in shows when I was younger.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08- I would have done something creative - even if I wasn't a writer.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- One of the most important factors - for me...
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- ..is that art, - performance and poetry...
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- ..should be - as accessible as possible.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- The poem I wrote for the Stomp - in last year's Eisteddfod...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ..was a mickey take - of Welsh institutions.
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- For some Cardiffians, seeing the - Archdruid in a robe is quite freaky!
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- "The other day, I walks down - the street into town
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- "I sees something funny, - a man wearing a gown
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- "Before I photographs him - with my phone
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- "Hundreds wearing the same - follows him like a cyclone
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- "It's safe, I thought, - though I had no clue
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- "The weirdos in green and white - are filming Dr Who
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- "And then they starts singing - and chanting something weird
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- "Before a bloke called Dic - talks to a man with a beard
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- "Then I clicks - - festival, Welshies, a crowd
0:09:09 > 0:09:15- "It's the Eisteddfod, it's in - Kairdiff and it's happening now
0:09:16 > 0:09:20- "The people looks crazy - as they walked side by side
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- "I'll tell you what, - whoever invented this ship was high
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- "Don't get me wrong, I supports - the Eisteddfod as it roams
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- "But you don't usually see it - outside Primark on your way home"
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Infectious enthusiasm is the best - description I can give of Catrin.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- Every time you see her, - she has so many new ideas.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- Who knows what she'll say. - She makes some nutty comments.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- Catrin is packed with energy and - loves being in front of an audience.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- I was sent here by my mother, - from Patagonia to Wales...
0:10:03 > 0:10:04- ..to find a husband.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- The Patagonian men - have so far resisted my charms.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12- God knows why!
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- The inspiration behind Evita is - a drunken night out in Aberystwyth.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- I convinced a boy - I was from Patagonia...
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- ..because I wanted him - to buy me a drink.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- It carried on from there.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- She lets you say things - you wouldn't normally say...
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- ..and do things - you wouldn't normally do.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Catrin has also published - three novels.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Random Deaths and Custard - has been very successful.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- It was on the shortlist of the 2009 - Books To Be Talked About contest.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- She visits schools regularly.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- She visits schools regularly.- - Is it getting any clearer?
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- Use your imagination when you read - or the words will make no sense.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- It's great - when you inspire a child in school.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- They see the value - of what they're doing.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Monkeys?
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Writing stories - came naturally to Catrin.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Her father, Dafydd Huws, was - the author of the Dyn Dwad series.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- She has fond memories - of her grandmothers...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..reading her stories about fairies.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Civil rights has been a feature - of her life in recent years.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- I first heard Y Tystion when I was - in Form 6 in school with Aneirin.
0:11:35 > 0:11:41- I remember thinking, "They're - singing about our generation."
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- It made me realize - that I could write about politics...
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- ..and write realistically - about life in Wales today.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- She brings people together...
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- ..and makes sure - that everyone's voice is heard...
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- ..when we're socializing.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- More wine?
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- Fair play to you, love!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- I've never seen her arguing - with anyone.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- She's a jolly person - she's great!
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Can you hear the sound of traffic?
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- I love listening - to the sound of traffic here.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- I like writing when there's - hustle and bustle in the background.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Catrin was born - and raised in Gwaelod-y-garth.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- I love standing - on top of Garth mountain.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- I'm at peace when I'm there.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- It confirms to me that I want to - spend the rest of my life writing...
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- ..about the struggles - and celebrations...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..of the people - I can see from the Garth.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09- .
0:13:10 > 0:13:10- 888
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- 888- - 888
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- These seven poets are friends - and compete against each other...
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- ..for Wales's main literary prizes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- Eurig won the Urdd Chair in 2006.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- For the past three years, he's been - runner-up for the National Chair.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- When I was a boy, - dinosaurs were everything.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- I liked drawing pictures - of dinosaurs.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- I liked reading about dinosaurs.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- I liked playing with dinosaurs.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- I'd left dinosaurs behind - by the time I studied A-level Art.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- I started painting - more mature features...
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- ..such as mountains, - castles and landscapes.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- I used loads and loads of paint.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- I think some of that interest - in dinosaurs...
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- ..and interest in history - has remained with me...
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- ..until today in my work.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- My main duties at work...
0:14:12 > 0:14:18- ..is to make old poetry like this - relevant to people today.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24- I also like using old poetry - as inspiration for my own poetry...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- ..especially since the old poets...
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- ..had a high opinion of themselves.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- They like to boast and challenge...
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- ..in the same way as I do - in this poem.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- "I am Eurig, the young rogue
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- "Wild Eurig beating his song - before breakfast with his baton
0:14:46 > 0:14:47- "From Ceiriog to Carmarthenshire
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- "I know every mountain and meadow
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- "I'm Taliesin in a city - and Guto'r Glyn in a green glen
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- "Humorous as Madog Dwygraig
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- "A stool winner and a scholar
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- "I am and I will challenge in rap
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- "I'm more of a man than Dafydd Ap."
0:15:06 > 0:15:10- Eurig is like the Fonz, I think.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- He's slick and very cool.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- He has an image but there's - substance behind that image.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- Hair.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- And hair.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- He loses his temper - easily sometimes...
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- ..especially when an adjudicator - hasn't understood his poem.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- It's only a matter of time - before he's a Chief Poet.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Eurig was only 15...
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- ..when he started competing - against more experienced poets.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- My first experience - as a performer...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- ..was on Talwrn Y Beirdd - on the radio.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- I enjoyed the experience of - performing because I was so young.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- I was one of the youngest - to compete at the time.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56- It was a great feeling.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- I was shocked to discover - I could stand on a stage...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..read a poem aloud - and enjoy the whole experience.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- I felt that some poems - didn't work...
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- ..until they'd been read - in front of an audience...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- ..and the audience itself - responded to the poem.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- I don't get a lot of time off. - When I do, I like watching films.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- I'm not talking about arty films, - the type I used to watch in college.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- Fantasy films, big blockbusters - such as Spider-man and Batman.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- My current favourite is King Kong.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- When I was 13, I read - Lord Of The Rings by Tolkien.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55- It opened so many doors for me in - terms of the possibility of words...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..and how effective words - and a story could be...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..as something to reach out - to people and influence others.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- It left a lasting impression on me.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- Hywel and Eurig shared a passion - for words and stories...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- ..as pupils in Ysgol Bro Myrddin.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- At the age of 14, - Eurig was Hywel's poetry teacher.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- He taught him to write cynghanedd - on the way to school.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- We used it as a way to improve - each other's cynghanedd.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- I'd write a line - and Hywel would respond to it.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Hywel would write a line - and I'd respond to it.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- We'd continue until we arrived home.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- The journey to school - was quite boring.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- It was something exciting - and unique for us to do.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- We enjoyed doing it.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- Had I not had someone - to share the experience with...
0:17:52 > 0:17:53- ..I wouldn't have gone so far.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- It was important to have - someone else doing it.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- During their college days, five of - the poets became very close friends.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- Eurig, Hywel, Catrin, - Iwan and Aneirin.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- They embarked - on a modern-day bardic tour...
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- ..and published a volume of poetry - called Crap Ar Farddoni.
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- The main aspect I enjoyed of working - within a team and being on stage...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- ..when I became nervous - before reading my poem...
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- ..was realizing that everyone - felt the same emotions.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- By the end of the night, everyone - shared the relief - it was great.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- It had never happened before.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- It was more fun embarking - on the Crap Ar Farddoni tour...
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- ..than doing a Stomp.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- There's the competitive aspect - at a Stomp.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- You fit the word underpants in a - poem five times to raise a laugh...
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- ..but the audience - then misunderstands it.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- The competitive aspect is there - but it's healthy.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- It's also more valuable - because you travel in a group.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- In addition to learning - more about your strengths...
0:19:04 > 0:19:10- ..you also learn from other people - and this gives you confidence.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- You learn more through performing.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- You learn - how to handle an audience...
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- ..you learn how poems have - a different effect on audiences.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- That's why I looked forward to - seeing you during Eisteddfod week.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- There weren't many young poets in - Cardiff and I would always think...
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- ..it's great to see you all.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- When we started to perform together, - there was a feeling of brotherhood.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- You mean sisterhood, don't you?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- You mean sisterhood, don't you?- - That's what it is - a brotherhood.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- Rhys and Osian perform regularly - with the others all over Wales.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- Please note that we have a beautiful - chair for tonight's winner.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- "A mute murderer on the loose
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- "Who means to mutilate the muse"
0:20:06 > 0:20:07- "Poets in the pub
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- "No words to fill pages - only beer to fill glasses"
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- "When a dude with a huge forehead
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- "One dude with his head down
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- "Strode up the bus - and came to the seat
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- "The neat seat I had kept so safe"
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- "And now we find in the field
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- "Little piggies won't scurry - to romp with me in slurry
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- "And as the public announces, - damn them, I feel so lonely
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- "With all this hate towards a piggy - called Jaci Soch"
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Despite all the competing, Hywel - and Eurig's friendship remains firm.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- The press made a big deal of it...
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- ..when Hywel won and Eurig - came second in the Urdd in 2004.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- Eurig was Hywel's bardic teacher.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- It happened again in 2007.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Hywel was the first of the gang - to win in the National Eisteddfod.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- By winning the crown last year - in Cardiff, he became a Chief Poet.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- But as a child, Hywel's mind - was on football, not poetry.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- He used to train - with the Swansea Football Academy.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- Like many youngsters...
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- ..I had an obsession with football - when I was 10 or 11.
0:21:23 > 0:21:29- I played in one of Swansea City's - football academies in Carmarthen.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- I then moved down - to St Clears' Football Club.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- I was playing here - until about a year ago.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- I have a lot of fond memories - of playing on this pitch...
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- ..on rainy days like today.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- I have many fond memories of - the friends I made when I was here.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- I'm not musical myself...
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- ..but music has always been there, - side by side with poetry.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- My mother enjoyed listening to Welsh - music, particularly Dafydd Iwan.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- # To war! To war! #
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- That was a major influence on me.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- It inspired me to learn about the - campaign for the Welsh language...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..and Plaid Cymru.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- I've been greatly influenced - by the Manic Street Preachers...
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- ..and their album - This Is My Truth, Tell Me Yours.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- # If you tolerate this
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- # Then your children will be next #
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- It had a profound effect on me.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- I listened to their earlier CDs...
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- ..and realized they used the quotes - of European and American poets...
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- ..in their CDs and it made me - want to read the original work...
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- ..to expand my knowledge.
0:22:51 > 0:22:57- It had a profound effect on - my poetry and how I saw the world.
0:22:57 > 0:23:02- To think that Hywel's had so much - success as a poet...
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- ..he remains one of the most - unassuming people I've ever met.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- I can empathize with his politics - - it inspires his poetry.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- He has something to say.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- That's always a help - in poetry and performance...
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- ..or rapping and writing music.
0:23:22 > 0:23:27- It's what drives Hywel - how - the future of Wales is shaping up.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- Many people give me strange looks - when I'm working...
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- ..with this instrument.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- I'm researching - erosion on Welsh rivers.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- I'm trying to find links - with climate change and flood risks.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55- I've researched 25 rivers in Wales.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- I've seen areas of Wales - I wouldn't have seen otherwise.
0:24:13 > 0:24:19- The Welsh landscape and people's - relationship with the landscape...
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- ..has inspired many poems - I've written.
0:24:22 > 0:24:27- Penrhydeuddwr was written about - the estuary of the Taf and Tywi.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32- I don't think many people - are familiar with this area.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- I wrote this poem about the area.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36- "The water in Deuddwr is cold
0:24:36 > 0:24:38- "Its colour is almost older - than the moon
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- "As it flows with a feeble shiver
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- "It's an eerie, age-old river
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- "A mischievous translucent glow, - a true proverb in trembling flow
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- "The water from saints' wells - tell the tales of pilgrims
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- "Regional water at journey's end - as two rivers join
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- "The boundaries of my foundations
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- "The confidence - of the flowing water"
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- I'd love to be a full-time poet...
0:25:09 > 0:25:14- ..earning a living and building - a career by writing poetry.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- That's not possible.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22- .
0:25:24 > 0:25:24- 888
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- 888- - 888
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- These seven poets have excelled in - eisteddfodau for the past ten years.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- They also perform their poems - to reach a wider audience.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- Aneirin won the Urdd Chair - in 2005...
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- ..after coming close - to winning twice previously.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- He's also well known - for writing poetry to rap music...
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- ..with bands such as Genod Droog - and Y Diwygiad.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- # I'm ready to explode - so stop mithering me
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- # Move on, moving on and on #
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- ANEIRIN SPEAKS BRETON
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- The situation at home...
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- ..would appear rather strange - to someone on the outside.
0:26:16 > 0:26:22- We combine French, Welsh and Breton - in conversations quite naturally.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- At least we understand each other!
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Aneirin's mother comes from Brittany.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- As a child, Aneirin would spend - his holidays in Brittany.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- He now speaks five languages...
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- ..Welsh, English, - Breton, French and Spanish.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- When he'd learnt to read, - he'd read all kinds of books.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- He'd listen to the stories...
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- ..on his Walkman in bed...
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- ..and he'd memorize them.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- He'd tell us the story - exactly as it was in the book...
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- ..the way he'd listened - to his story.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- He and his brother would read - a Bible story every day...
0:27:08 > 0:27:09- ..to improve their Welsh.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- The chapel was an important part - of his upbringing.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- One of the reasons - we went to Sunday school...
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- ..according to my father...
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- ..was to learn Welsh - by hearing the Bible.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- There were many reasons, really.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- You worshipped God - through the medium of Welsh...
0:27:29 > 0:27:34- ..and it stopped you becoming - a religious nitwit later in life!
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- THEY CHUCKLE
0:27:36 > 0:27:40- It also gave Mam and me a chance - to read the Sunday papers.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- Really!
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- I wanted to send you - to Atlantic College...
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- ..but you wanted to be - Head Boy in Rhydfelen.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- You did so well in school...
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- ..but the only thing you learnt - in college was how to rap.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- You were a very strange child.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- Thanks!
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- Aneirin loved his time - in Ysgol Rhydfelen.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12- The buildings have been demolished - since the school was relocated.
0:28:15 > 0:28:22- # The feeling - that makes people forget time #
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- It brings a lump to your throat.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- # The feeling that makes you think #
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- This is rather insane, seeing this.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37- It's as if someone has bombed - Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- Bloody hell.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- I have so many memories - of this place...
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- ..and they've all ended up - in the rubble.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- It's incredible.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- It's very sad.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- I know there's a new - school called "Gartholwg" now...
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- ..but it will always be - Rhydfelen to me.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06- By the end, the buildings - were in a state of disrepair...
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- ..but it's where I spent - seven happy years of my life.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16- It's so sad.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- I feel inspired to write a poem - after seeing this.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- I might even write an ode.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26- "The Rubble Of Rhydfelen", maybe.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- A lot of people ask me - how do I write poetry.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39- They expect a poetic answer...
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- ..that involves - the mysterious and mystic.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Climbing to a mountain summit - to write a poem.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Often, if I'm surrounded - by a beautiful landscape...
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- ..talking to strangers....
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- ..they say, "This is a great place - to write poetry.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58- "Can you feel the muse?"
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- "No!" The inspiration - can come from anywhere.
0:30:02 > 0:30:08- For me, when I have to do - other things in my life...
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- ..poetry is just procrastination.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- I remember working with Catrin - in McDonald's.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- I had pieces of paper - in the cupboard...
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- ..where I pretended - to get ready to mop the floor.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- I was writing comments - about McDonald's in a cynghanedd.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- Sometimes you have an idea and you - think "Ooh, there's a poem there."
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- It's like a grand piano - falling down on you.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- You can feel it coming - and suddenly - bang.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- That happens - when everything is going well.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- You can be waiting for - the poetic muse for days on end...
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- ..trying to start the poem - but unable to write a first line.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- I should have prepared - for something like this.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11- When we arrived here, - I felt inspired to write a poem.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- The director said it only took - 20 minutes in a bardic contest.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- I've been here for 15 minutes - and this is my englyn.
0:31:20 > 0:31:21- "The Rubble Of Rhydfelen"
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Don't expect a miracle - but it is written in cynghanedd.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- "The Rubble of Rhydfelen
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- "In the rubble of my Rhydfelen
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- "There's history, names and the muse
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- "Under the bricks now stand brambles
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- "Where it was is now a wasteland"
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Our poets are well aware - that poetry...
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- ..mostly attracts - the older generation.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- They're always looking for ways - to draw youngsters.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- It's one thing to write something - for your generation...
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- ..but it's another thing - for them to hear that poetry.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- If they don't hear it - on television or on radio...
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- ..or in a live show...
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- ..they'll never hear it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- They'll always hear the poems - written by 20th-century poets...
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- ..the poems they learn at school.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- I prefer to hear a good response - from someone of my generation...
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- ..than a good response from someone - from an older generation.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- That's what I meant - when I spoke about competition.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- Often...
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- Adjudicators are older than us.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Adjudicators are older than us.- - Yes, they're always older.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46- They don't always understand - the message of our poetry.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48- A younger adjudicator would.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- I worry that we're not being watched - by our generation.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58- We visited pubs on our tour - and it worked in Cardiff, in Nos Da.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03- Sometimes, I don't feel - that we reach our target audience.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- We did a lot of work - promoting the tour.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- We targeted our generation...
0:33:11 > 0:33:17- ..but since then, I don't think - we've reached out to those people...
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- ..to the same extent...
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- ..by using the Internet.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- # If you eat meat - or you're a vegetarian
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- # There's a place for everyone, - large and small
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- # Come on, everyone, get on down #
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- For me, it was a natural progression - from poetry to rap.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- Poets in the Middle Ages - were said to perform poetry...
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- ..while beating a club on the floor.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- A harp might have played - to the beat of the club.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- If you can imagine that situation...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- ..the poet - would appear to be rapping.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56- Therefore Rap didn't start in - America in the 1970s or early 1980s.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01- It started in Talybont or in - the Deheubarth in the 14th century.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- # Come on, have a cuppa #
0:34:07 > 0:34:09- This poem is called Water.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- It deals with the dilemma - of trying to save...
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- ..the Welsh and Breton languages.
0:34:15 > 0:34:16- "Straight from the Valleys, - I've been here for ages
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- "Kicking coke cans on the street - and failing to decide
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- "Between my languages - because Welsh and Breton clash
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- "Hated is he - that hates his birthplace
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- "It leaves a bad taste - like chewing tobacco
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- "Two countries - with languages cracking up
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- "I'm in no-man's land, - the middle ground
0:34:31 > 0:34:32- "Drowning in my thoughts
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- "And the different answers - make no sense at all
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- "I have to leave this place - and find myself or a clone of myself
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- "To sound the war cry in two places, - a polluted massacre"
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- It carries on in the same vein - but it's such a rant...
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- ..it's three pages long.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- You can read it - in the Raps Heddiw volume. Thanks!
0:34:53 > 0:34:54- .
0:34:55 > 0:34:55- 888
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- 888- - 888
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- The seven poets regularly perform - across the country.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Five were part of the poetry tour - Crap Ar Farddoni in 2006.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- By now, Rhys and Osian - perform regularly with them.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- Rhys and Osian have not won - Urdd Eisteddfod Chairs or Crowns...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- ..but they have high hopes - for the National Eisteddfod.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- Rhys was second in - the Urdd Chair competition in 2001.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- He lives and works in Cardiff.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34- I'd always wanted to be a doctor...
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- ..but I realized in high school - that I'd have to study the sciences.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41- I wasn't really fond of them.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- Today, I'm doing something that ties - in with my interest in languages.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- I'm a translator in the Assembly.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- I've been living here - for eight years...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- ..and Cardiff inspires me - more and more each day.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- Rhys Iorwerth - - a character, sweet, northerly.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- He just...
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- ..comes out with some - real gems every now and then.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08- I admire Rhys a lot.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- Out of all of us...
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- ..he has the greatest talent - to write comic poetry.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- His poems are about things - we all notice...
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- ..but we're not always graceful - enough to write them in a poem.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- We always have fun - when Rhys performs his poetry.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- I always feel he looks - out of place...
0:36:34 > 0:36:39- ..because his Caernarfon accent is - so strong when he lives in Cardiff.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- But it works so well.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- "Today, in the sound of this city, - its accents and history
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- "I'm one stranger, - one young man, one Cofi
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- "I arrived after a long journey, - a youngster from the country"
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- The first memory I have of writing - poetry or being interested in it...
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- ..comes from when I loved the sound - of rhymes as a five-year-old.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- I had a book - where I kept lines that rhymed.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- The only one I remember - is Bryn Fon talking on the phone!
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- It was a sign of things to come.
0:37:20 > 0:37:26- When I was a young boy, I was - obsessed with football and cars.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- I could name any car - when I was five.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- Recently, Rhys combined his love - of cars and football...
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- ..when he drove 3,500 miles - from Cardiff to Azerbaijan...
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- ..to watch Wales and collect money - along the way for orphanages.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54- I was a constant headache - for many people in this school.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- In seven years, I won six chairs.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- For about a year, - when I was 15 years old...
0:38:02 > 0:38:07- ..I was summoned to see Dei Fon, the - deputy headmaster, on Wednesdays...
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- ..for cynghanedd lessons.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- Dei Fon was also - the school's disciplinarian.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18- Often, a row of boys - would be waiting outside his room.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- They would wonder - what I was doing there too...
0:38:22 > 0:38:27- ..not knowing I was there - to learn how to write cynghanedd.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- I used to be in a band - called Quidest.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- I've been known to be a stand-in - with Geraint Lovgreen's band.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00- Unfortunately, finding time to be in - a band is very difficult these days.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Sometimes, I return to the past.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- In his teens, Rhys loved being - on stage playing his drums...
0:39:14 > 0:39:19- ..but standing on stage performing - his poems was a tougher challenge.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- It's like everything else. As you - get used to it, it gets easier.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- If you're not used - to performing in public...
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- ..or standing on stage - entertaining people...
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- ..it's not something - that comes naturally.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- I was shocked to see - how nervous you were.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- You've often been on stage drumming.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- No-one looks at the drummer!
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- Rhys finds it easier to write poetry - after a few pints.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49- He retires into his own little world - to write lines of cynghanedd.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- Rhys and I were friends in college - and we enjoyed a pint or two.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- I was on my own most of the night...
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- ..because Rhys would be counting - his syllables...
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- ..his lips moving, all excited.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- He looked like a man possessed.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09- He was actually writing poetry.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Rhys is a one-off.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23- He has some funny stories about - riding his bike when he was drunk...
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- ..and being stopped by a policeman.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30- "Really, sir, I'm sorry, - I said courteously while drunk
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- "I've only drunk half a quart, - you can test me
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- "An on-the-spot fine - 20 lighter - is this pocket of mine
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- "I handed it over happily, - but showed two fingers as I did so
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- "I was arrested in haste - for riding my bike
0:40:47 > 0:40:52- "Honestly, despite protesting, - a night in the slammer if you like
0:40:52 > 0:40:57- "There, I saw the light, - I learnt a lesson
0:40:57 > 0:40:59- "I'll retain my street cred - next time
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- "Walking home to prevent a fine"
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- From the point of view - of people who write poetry...
0:41:17 > 0:41:22- ..winning one of the main literary - awards in the National Eisteddfod...
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- ..if you don't do that - at some point...
0:41:25 > 0:41:29- ..it's very difficult - to be acknowledged.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- Becoming a Chief Poet - is the benchmark.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- A few years before Twm Morys - became Chief Poet...
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- ..I remember someone introducing - a bardic contest saying...
0:41:42 > 0:41:46- ..Chief Poet Myrddin ap Dafydd, - Chief Poet Iwan Llwyd and Twm Morys!
0:41:49 > 0:41:54- It's not so much a status - within bardic circles...
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- ..but it is for the public.
0:41:57 > 0:42:03- There are people older than us - you'd expect to be Chief Poets.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Everyone thought Twm was - before he'd won.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- It doesn't make a lot of difference.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- No-one would deny - that it's their ambition to win.
0:42:13 > 0:42:18- Some of us may never win, - for whatever reason.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Osian is the youngest member - of the gang.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- He's been runner-up - for the Urdd Chair...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- ..and third twice.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31- He's now too old for the Urdd but - he could be a Chief Poet one day.
0:42:31 > 0:42:37- He was raised near Pwllheli. He - played for Pwllheli for nine years.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- There was a time when sport - was everything in my life.
0:42:50 > 0:42:56- I participated in many sports such - as football, swimming and cricket...
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- ..but my favourite sport was rugby.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03- I played here every week - for Pwllheli.
0:43:03 > 0:43:09- A time came when I was introduced to - beer, girls and poetry in my teens.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- I then stopped playing for Pwllheli.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15- # Those girls are beautiful
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- # Good health, good health #
0:43:19 > 0:43:23- I was 14 or 15 when I used to listen - to bands such as Nirvana.
0:43:23 > 0:43:25- For some reason, it felt like...
0:43:26 > 0:43:29- ..they empathized with my life - as a 14-year-old.
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- # With the lights out, - it's less dangerous #
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- I thought, "Yes, I wish - I could have been like them."
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- When I saw Alun from John ac Alun - taking up his guitar, I thought...
0:43:41 > 0:43:44- .."Hey, I like your style. - I could be like that!"
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- There was a natural progression - from music to lyrics.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- Today, I listen more to music...
0:43:53 > 0:43:58- ..with meaningful lyrics - that convey a message to me...
0:43:58 > 0:44:02- ..as often as I read poetry - and literature.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07- Osian has been writing poetry - since he was 15...
0:44:07 > 0:44:13- ..but his parents knew nothing of it - until he came third in the Urdd.
0:44:13 > 0:44:18- It was quite a surprise for us - when you brought a prize home.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20- It was the first we knew of it.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23- I learnt to write cynghanedd...
0:44:23 > 0:44:26- ..by reading - one of Myrddin ap Dafydd's books.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- It was something I did alone - up in my room.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- I don't know why I did it - - it had an underground feel to it.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39- It was similar to the music - I listened to.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42- I'm not sure if I was trying - to be a rebel or not.
0:44:43 > 0:44:44- I don't know if it worked.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- The buzz I get from performing - is the same buzz I had...
0:45:01 > 0:45:07- ..when I participated in sport or - any physical activity as a teenager.
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- Performing live - lets you know immediately...
0:45:12 > 0:45:15- ..what the audience - thinks of your poems.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19- It's a great feeling - when they appreciate your poem.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- It gives you a kick.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38- At school, he was more interested - in sport, girls and beer.
0:45:38 > 0:45:41- More than poetry, anyway.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44- He started writing poetry - at Aberystwyth.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49- A school friend benefited - from Osian's poetic skills...
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- ..when he forgot to buy his father - a 60th birthday gift.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58- I persuaded him to write an englyn - to my father.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- Dad was very impressed with it.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- Thanks to Osian, I got away with it.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06- He'll know now, won't he?
0:46:06 > 0:46:07- Yes!
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- I write poetry that's relevant - to my generation...
0:46:21 > 0:46:24- ..poetry about what people - do for each other.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29- This poem is dedicated to a man - I met on Porth Iago beach one day.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- The gig had finished, - the tide was coming in...
0:46:32 > 0:46:34- ..and I didn't have a lift home.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36- One man saved me.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- "I'm a thug in Porth Iago
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- "Drunk on wine, out of my mind
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- "A man without a lift, - without a plan
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- "Mesmerizing with his moaning
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- "I'm in a hole, - surrounded by the tide
0:46:54 > 0:46:57- "I cannot move - from this scary place
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- "The water rises higher and higher
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- "And I sink deeper and deeper
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- "Lleyn's tide - rises to my backside
0:47:08 > 0:47:10- "As the tears flow into the sea"
0:47:17 > 0:47:22- This gang have shown - that it's OK to be a poet and young.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- Their success proves that you can - create a fresh new image...
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- ..to the old art of poetry as they - make their mark on a higher stage.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34- Hywel was the first - to become a Chief Poet.
0:47:34 > 0:47:39- All seven are hoping to achieve - the same status in the near future.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43- People love meeting - and congratulating a Chief Poet.
0:47:44 > 0:47:49- Winning in the National Eisteddfod - is a unique experience.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52- It's such an honour and privilege.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56- With the privilege - comes added pressure, though.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59- You know - tell us!
0:47:59 > 0:48:03- If you win - one of the main accolades...
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- ..the pressure mounts on you.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10- People become more critical - of your work.
0:48:10 > 0:48:13- For the next year, - you're up there to be knocked down.
0:48:14 > 0:48:19- It was great hearing Ray Gravell - talking about five years ago.
0:48:19 > 0:48:24- He said that something he'd love to - do but never thought he would...
0:48:24 > 0:48:28- ..was to stand during the trumpets' - fanfare in the pavilion.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- We're very privileged - to be in a position to do that.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:48:56 > 0:48:57- .