R. S. Thomas: Everyman Poetry

R S Thomas was one the leading poets of modern Wales, whose work continues to inspire and provoke discussion:

'Poetry is that which arrives at the intellect by way of the heart'

Indeed, John Betjeman predicted that Thomas would be remembered long after he himself was forgotten. His early poems concern the people and landscapes of the remote depths of rural Wales and often echo themes of isolation so relevant, still today. In later life he was a committed Welsh nationalist - indeed somewhat mischievously he wrote his autobiography in Welsh, and called it Neb - nobody - thereby ensuring that many of his admirers could not understand it.

Ultimately, as Ted Hughes said, his poetry 'pierces the heart'.