Oh, I hear them,
I hear them...and I know why
They come to call.

Hear how they howl,
So deep, wild, and hollow.
They are down on the moors,

Not so very far at all.
Will Arawn find him fair
And able, allow him to drink

From the fountain,
Nourish at the cauldron?
Or will he be set adrift

In the Underworld?
They come closer,
I know their call.

Hear how soft their
Baying grows? So small,
So close now.

There they are! Look through
The window...see them there
By the hawthorn?

Their white fur,
Those startling red ears...
Arawn’s hounds.

They await his passing,
Our father, he goes...
I see him! The Cwn Annwn

Are licking his hands!
Oh, Father will be happy there,
Hunting the wild fields,

Swimming in the river,
Sleeping in companionship
With Arawn. Go in peace.


Dena L. Moore
July 25, 2002



Notes: The Cwn Annwn (koon anoon) were the Celtic’s Underworld king Arawn’s death-omen hounds. The underworld was called Annwn, and it is simply the place where all humans went when they died. Those found to be worthy souls were allowed to become Arawn’s companions. It was said that the deep hollow bark became weaker and less threatening as they drew nearer to the soul.