JAMES JOYCE'S 100

Today it's James Joyce's
hundred years
since the publication
of "Ulysses" thundered
that kept us all awake
vetted in long chapters
yet was totally persecuted
and even prosecuted
for the creation of words
and fiery choice phrases
to be brought up
seizing the force of an age
of Irish culture to be taught
holding the sipping cup
fraught with conversation
that will amaze language
to empower literature
in Gaelic and English
to be enigmatically sought
in a thrilling indirect narrative
that still makes Ireland alive
and keeps the novel form
for another generation
to survive.