Thread: James Joyce

An old housemate gave me a collection of his poems years ago that I read recently. Is anyone else a fan?

There's only a few poems in the book but probably the best I've ever read.

Yep, though he is mostly known for his novels, Joyce has written some excellent poetry. Back to prose, I loved Ulysses, on which I wrote a paper when I was studying literature at the university; it is a pain to read, but a joy to study


On the Beach at Fontana (James Joyce; 1914)

Wind whines and whines the shingle,
The crazy pierstakes groan;
A senile sea numbers each single
Slimesilvered stone.

From whining wind and colder
Grey sea I wrap him warm
And touch his trembling fineboned shoulder
And boyish arm.

Around us fear, descending
Darkness of fear above
And in my heart how deep unending
Ache of love!

I wasn't even aware Joyce wrote poetry - thanks for the heads up! I'll have to check it out. "Slimesilvered stone" and "fineboned shoulder" in the poem above are wonderful though.

I'm only familiar with his prose. And I agree on Ulysses - it's a love-hate thing!

I wasn't even aware Joyce wrote poetry - thanks for the heads up! I'll have to check it out. "Slimesilvered stone" and "fineboned shoulder" in the poem above are wonderful though.

I'm only familiar with his prose. And I agree on Ulysses - it's a love-hate thing!

These are the moments when we are proud to be Irish,.
The man was a magician with words, he could goosebump induce a ginnyjoe.


Enjoy more and more and more.

If you would like a headsup on other Irish poets please PM me.

Lor
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