The Black Lake (Festival Edition) - VI. Mam's Illness (Live at Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, 7/27/2025)

Scene 5 – Mam’s Illness

Boy

(Nar M): It had been snowing all night. By school time, the Hill was like a glass floor between two big walls of snow. When it got to dinner time I was starving hungry, and thinking what Mam might have for dinner for us. But when I came through the door there was no cloth on the table, or anything, just Mam in the rocking chair. When she turned to face me I nearly had a fit. She couldn’t speak, only lick her lips, and looking so oddly at me.

What’s the matter, Mam?

Mam

(Nar F): (weakly) Go up to Pen Bryn to get Gran.

Boy

(Nar M): And I ran and slid for my life up to Pen Bryn.

And Gran lived with us for three months till Mam got better.