THE Aberfan tragedy occurred when I was 11 years old and attending Dinas Secondary Modern School in Aberystwyth where we were asked in English class to try and write some poetry as a tribute.

I wrote this poem and had it exhibited. I still have the original page from my exercise book...

Aberfan is a sad, sad place with signs of sorrow on many a face

When the big black mountain rumbled and fell

The pity was they could not tell.

Many a mother had lost her child, many a face was rugged and wild

Many a man helped to dig them out

And to hear the little ones give a shout.

The slime and slag was hard to clear and many a man looked in fear

Some saw their children covered in mud

And some saw their children covered in blood.

We will never forget that dreadful place with many a sad and sorrowful face

When the big black mountain rumbled and fell

The pity was, they could not tell.

Moira Parrott (nee Baxter)

Byrd Crescent

Penarth