Poetry Challenge #328: Into The Wilde
7 minutes
Who hasn’t heard of Oscar Wilde—so aptly surnamed? Imagine, even he had a mother (and a brother named Willie) Better yet, an Irish poet mother, and a Lady at that! What’s more, December 27 marks the 200th anniversary of Oscar’s mother, Lady Jane Wilde’s birth.
Oscar’s mother, born Jane Francesca Elgee on December 27, 1823 in Wexford, was a force! And a poet with a particular penchant for Irish poetry and folktales.
Below is a photograph of Lady Jane’s notoriously wild son, Oscar (standing) and Willie (right) with friends. According to unconfirmable sources, the photo was taken at Oxford in 1875.
It’s said Lady Jane Wilde she wrote under the name “Speranza” but hard as I tried, none of the search engines on my laptop could find an examples of her poetry.
But. . .
You can find out all about Jane and her poetry in this highly-reviewed biography by Eibhear Walshe. (Don’t think you’ll have a tough time recalling the title.)
Walshe’s book shows Lady Jane to be an outspoken and accomplished scholar, writer, translator and social commentator and fierce supporter of the Irish cause. Her list of books of Goodreads is extensive—check it out!
Now, back to the subject at hand: Poetry! Below is the beginning of Lady Jane Wilde’s poem, Sign of the Times—just a taste. Read the rest of the poem, and more by Lady Jane Wilde here.
Poetry Challenge #328
Into the Wilde
In honor of Lady Jane Wilde and . . .
Because it’s National Fruitcake Day, write a nutty poem.
Pack it with fruits and nutty bits—and if you rhyme, set an odd rhyming pattern—because that’s how I imagine Lady Jane Wilde liked it!
Set Your Timer for 7 Minutes
Start Writing!
Don’t Think About it, Write It!
If this fruitcake has your mouth watering, Collins Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas has been baking fruitcake since 1868 (who know Lady Jane Wilde may well have tasted one) as Collins Street ships everywhere—but it’s not open on Christmas Day…I know. I tried stopping in.
Kelly Bennett and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge. We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you.
