Why do we still treat Pearse as national icon?

From Dick Keane

Padraig Pearse stamp: venerating a dangerous man?

An Post has launched two new stamps to mark the centenary of the opening of St Enda's school for boys by Padraig Pearse in 1908.

Ominously, in 1909 Pearse published his poem 'Little Lad of the Tricks'.

He wrote: "Child of the soft red mouth... Raise your comely head till I kiss your mouth… There is a fragrance in your kiss that I have not found in the kisses of women… Lad of the grey eyes would be in dread of me could you read my secrets."

It's incredible that we continue to venerate this deeply disturbed and dangerous man as a national icon.

Dick Keane,

Silchester Park,

Glenageary, Co Dublin

September 28, 2008

Comments

#1 Maire ni h_Ailleachain commented, on September 28, 2008 at 4:58 p.m.:

If it hadn't been for Pearse who instilled the idea of self preservation and pride in our own identity, Ireland may well be still a part of the not-so-United Kingdom.

#2 patrick o donovan commented, on September 28, 2008 at 6:39 p.m.:

Because he gave his life for this country.

#3 Paula Bowen commented, on September 28, 2008 at 11:02 p.m.:

Don't like the sound of that poem. He sounds pretty scary to me. I'm with Dick Keane on that one.

#4 steven commented, on September 28, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.:

There's no question that it's an extremely strange poem. But since it managed to get as far as being published (meaning it obviously went under some sort of scrutiny before being deemed worthy of the public) it's clearly not intended to be read with the paedophile/homosexual-innuendo that modern readers find in it.
Pearse is venerated because of his tireless effort to revive our spirit as a people, from his work to save our language to his ultimate sacrifice. That's why.

#5 Phil commented, on September 29, 2008 at 4:03 p.m.:

It is a bit creepy though, isn't it?

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