Hiraeth is a Welsh word. Its meaning is somewhat incomprehensible to the non-Welsh, but it relates to longing and grief.

“Hiraeth (Welsh pronunciation: [hɪraɨ̯θ, hiːrai̯θ]) is a Welsh word that has no direct English translation. The University of Wales, Lampeter, likens it to a homesickness tinged with grief and sadness over the lost or departed, especially in the context of Wales and Welsh culture.” -wiki

“A blend of homesickness, nostalgia and longing, “hiraeth” is a pull on the heart that conveys a distinct feeling of missing something irretrievably lost.” – BBC

I am English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and Norse. The English is mostly from my real dad’s bloodline and I don’t seem to have any of the traits from his family – none of which have I met and most of whom don’t even believe I exist.

All of the traits of the rest reside in me. The Welsh hiraeth is presently foremost in my existence and I will wear it, like a cloak, until I escape the world for good and all.

Forget me not, Lord Jesus.

And protect Her from all evil.

– r