William Wordsworth’s ‘London, 1802’, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45528/london-1802

in Italian or Petrarchan sonnet form, bemoans English society’s moral degradation and the deleterious effects of the Industrial Revolution. Wordsworth nostalgically calls on John Milton, poet and civil servant (1608-1674) to as it were, restore England to her former glory.

By way of contrast, having tried to imitate Wordsworth’s rhyme scheme, I purposely dismiss what, in the present context might be viewed as the “Patriarchy” of Milton, and of Wordsworth. Instead, I celebrate a victory for our English Lionesses, arguing that they provide positive role models for our youth, and for society in general.

My last line, by way of reference to Wordsworth’s, suggests the wish that our political leaders live up to the standards which our Lionesses set for themselves!

 

Milton! England’s glorious at this hour

 

And needs you not; now roused, she strikes again.

 

In her brave daughters’ praise, I wield my pen,

 

True valour’s shone; its light does youth empower

 

To pursue dreams ‘til they in glory flower:

 

Naysayers never will the courage stem,

 

Of  citizens with proud hearts all aflame:

 

Our Lionesses’ deeds now loudly roar

 

To all the world proof they’re a race apart:

 

Let praise for them resound from sea to sea,

 

And heaven above join in our ecstasy,

 

Stout hearts of oak, once more, have won the day.

 

True Lionesses all, each played their part,

 

Each, highest standards on themselves did lay.

Uilleam Ó Ceallaigh, Dé Céadaoin, an tríochadú lá is fiche de mhí Iúil, 2025.