The writings of Joyce are often thought of as difficult to comprehend – and are thus lost to many.
What could be more simple and touching than this tribute to his father passed on, and the birth of his grandson?
Of the dark past
A child is born.
With joy and grief
My heart is torn.
Calm in his cradle
The living lies.
May love and mercy
Unclose his eyes!
Young life is breathed
On the glass:
The world that was not
Comes to pass.
A child is sleeping;
An old man is gone.
O, father forsaken,
Forgive your son.