where the birds sing our names

“These Names Will Be Forever in Our Skies” has been one of our most ambitious and poignant projects of recent times, a uniquely moving means of remembering every Tˆy Hafan child at the end of their short life.

Our beautiful memorial garden is a tranquil and reflective place where recorded sound imprints of the names of each child, transposed into birdsong, plays and blends in with the natural environment. And it’s this touching tribute that inspired emeritus Professor of Poetry at the University of South Wales (USW), Professor Tony Curtis, to publish a collection of poems in aid of Tˆy Hafan with contributions from some of the best-known writers in the country.” Professor Curtis edited the anthology, entitled Where the Birds Sing Our Names, after seeing first-hand how Tˆy Hafan offers comfort, care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, following the funeral of a friend’s granddaughter, who had been supported by the charity. The book includes poems by USW Chancellor and former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams; comedian and entertainer Max Boyce; singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford; and USW Professor of Creative Writing, Philip Gross, to name just a few. “The staff at Tˆy Hafan do a marvellous job,” he said. “The rooms for their children and families are kitted out with specialist equipment to help make the unbearable more manageable. “Charities such as Tˆy Hafan have been hit incredibly hard by the pandemic, so I’m glad to be able to support them and go some way to helping raise funds.”

His introductory poem explains more:

Where the birds sing our names When the children pass on Their names are put into Morse Code, dot and dash, And the parents choose a song-bird –Robin, blackbird, wren and thrush –These name-notes are played as you pass each tree In the woods around Tˆy Hafan, the house-haven. Bird sings to bird across the land, A chain of notes until the trees end And the oceans begin. Then they fly beyond. So imitative birds pass on these name-notes of song Against the murmurings of the sea: Some kind of immortality.

Maria Timon Samra, Chief Executive of Tˆy Hafan, said: “My colleagues and I are incredibly grateful to Tony for having the vision and drive to see this project to fruition. He has collaborated with eminent poets across the UK who have generously contributed to this lovely book. “Where the Birds Sing Our Names is an anthology of beautiful poems, with all proceeds going to support our work with children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wales.

“Every sale will make a real difference to what we are able to provide for the 270 children in Wales who we support every year, and I am sure it will make a cherished gift for lovers of poetry everywhere.” Where the Birds Sing Our Names is available to buy now by scanning the QR code below and in Tˆy Hafan charity shops across south and mid Wales.

Purchase your copy here