John read some poetry to me last night and began reading The Picture of Dorian Gray all from an anthology of Oscar Wilde (1854-1099), born in Dublin. Here is a cartoon drawing of him. He was a most controversial character and often made the news. He was also a profound writer. Below is a poem that we both thought to be most profound."On the Massacre of the Christians in Bulgaria"
Christ, dost Thou live indeed? or are Thy bones
Still straitened in their rock-hewn sepulchre?
And was Thy Rising only dreamed by her
Whose love of Thee for all her sin atones?
For here the air is horrid with men's groans,
The priests who call upon Thy name are slain,
Dost Thou not hear the bitter wail of pain
From those whose children lie upon the stones?
Come down, O Son of God! incestuous gloom
Curtains the land, and through the starless night
Over Thy Cross a Crescent moon I see!
If Thou in very truth didst burst the tomb
Come down, O Son of Man! and show Thy might
Lest Mahomet be crowned instead of Thee!
