The Very Real Importance of Being Earnest

The Very Real Importance of Being Earnest

You know,

when I stop and think about it,

which happens seldom,

and comes from nowhere out of the blue,

I realize

there's nothing I'd rather do

than find within my mind

the words to write something

as cleverly as you.

Yah, I'd like to run on the Wilde side.

I Thank you, Oscar.

You've certainly set the tone.

So,

I'll drink a toast to you,

a wonderful, self centred,

delightful, arrogant,

challenging, irresponsible,

beautiful son of a bitch.

With affection, and perhaps a touch

of overly ambitious gratitude,

from another one.

Comments: 8

Jim Ross Aug 7, 2006, 9:10pm UTC

Beautiful tribute, Perry. Everything about the piece, including the British spelling, is felicitous. Which title is the typo? Both are apropos, considering Oscar's wit and circumstance.

Wilde is a tough act to follow, Perry, definitely worth the effort.

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perry long Aug 7, 2006, 10:05pm UTC

Hey Jim, the "impotence" was more certainly perhaps a freudian slip. I don't think he was impotent just differently inclined. That would have been a more clever move than I am capable of in any event. As to the "British" spelling, well, I'm Canadian, and our spelling follows the Brit lead, don't you know. American spell checking software drives me crazy. There is a story about him touring in Canada. He was asked by the president of the local "ladies League if he would mind saying a word. "Certainly", he said, stood up, and said, "Fuck", and sat down again.

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Granny Janny Aug 8, 2006, 2:22am UTC

Are you serious? He was indeed, wild.
I loved seeing his colorful statue at the park in Dublin.

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Brenda Clews Aug 8, 2006, 11:51am UTC

Oscar is definitely among my favourites, and I learnt a tremendous amount from him about how to write... this is a terrific paean to him, Perry!

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Dan B. Aug 8, 2006, 12:23pm UTC

Jeez Professor!! We can't stop laughing and you know damn well how hard it is to catch a breath in this condition. Do your balls ever get too cold up there? I am afraid to leave Florida.

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Magi the magical poet is flowing with the wind Aug 15, 2006, 4:47am UTC

Perry, I'm grinning! Well done!

Magi

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Barbary C. Aug 19, 2006, 10:44pm UTC

Perry,

I do love Wilde's and your words.

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Kenneth B. Jan 26, 2012, 12:45am UTC

Well stated and sets a quite appropriate mood for the subject.

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The Very Real Importance of Being Earnest

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