Dora Sigerson Shorter

Dora Sigerson Shorter was an Irish poet and sculptor born in Dublin in 1866. She is known for her lyrical poems that draw on Irish folklore, nationalism, and themes of loss and the supernatural. Biography ↓More ↓

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A Rose Will Fade

You were always a dreamer, Rose, red Rose, As you swung on your perfumed spray. Swinging, and all the world was true, Swaying, what did it trouble you ? A rose will fade in a day. Why did you smile to his face, red Rose, As he whistled across your way ? And all the world went mad for you, All the world it knelt to woo. A rose will bloom in a day. I gather your petals. Rose, red Rose, The petals he threw away. And all the world derided you ; Ah ! the world, how well it knew A rose will fade in a day.

Dora Sigerson Shorter

In Wintry Weather

Dear, in wintry weather, How close we crept together ! The storms, with all their thunder, Could not our fond hands sunder. No sorrow followed after Cold words or scornful laughter. How close we crept together, Through all the wintry weather ! Dear, when each rose uncurled To its sweet narrow world, You went to cull its glory ; You would not hear my story, Too sweet the birds were singing, Too fair the buds were swinging. If I should come or go You did not care to know.

Biography

Dora Sigerson Shorter was an Irish poet and sculptor born in Dublin in 1866. She was the daughter of George Sigerson, a physician and writer, and became associated with the Irish Literary Revival. Her poetry often explores themes of Irish mythology, fairy lore, and political unrest, particularly the struggle for Irish independence. Her style is characterized by musicality and a strong narrative drive, blending romanticism with folk elements. She published several collections, including "Ballads and Poems" (1899) and "The Story and Song of Black Roderick" (1906). After marrying Clement King Shorter in 1895, she moved to London but continued to focus on Irish subjects. Her later work increasingly addressed grief, loss, and the tragedy of war, influenced by World War I. She is considered a significant though often overlooked figure in Irish poetry of the turn of the twentieth century.

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