10. the Irishman’s Song

by Percy Bysshe Shelley — a poem card from Justes Mots

Shelley's 'Irishman's Song' mourns Ireland's devastation and fallen heroes while asserting that Irish courage transcends physical ruin and death. Historically rooted in Irish resistance, it honors sacrifice and indomitable spirit in the face of conquest. Suitable for memorials celebrating resilience and national or cultural pride.

The stars may dissolve, and the fountain of light
May sink into ne’er ending chaos and night,
Our mansions must fall, and earth vanish away,
But thy courage O Erin! may never decay.

See! the wide wasting ruin extends all around, _5
Our ancestors’ dwellings lie sunk on the ground,
Our foes ride in triumph throughout our domains,…

Themes: sympathy · grief · encouragement · reflection