When we talk about Oscar Wilde, we usually picture the man in the velvet coat, delivering perfect one-liners in a drawing-room comedy. 'Poèmes' introduces us to a different man entirely. This isn't a novel with a plot, but a journey through a young artist's mind. The poems range from epic classical tales (like 'The Sphinx') to intimate lyrics about love and loss. They're packed with lush, vivid descriptions—think crimson sunsets, moonlit gardens, and mythical creatures. You can see Wilde trying on different voices and styles, from romantic idealism to darker, more questioning tones.

The Story

There isn't a single story. Think of this book as a series of emotional snapshots. Some poems, like 'Requiescat,' are heartbreaking elegies for his sister. Others, like 'Charmides,' retell Greek myths with a sensual, almost shocking, modern twist. Longer works, such as 'The Garden of Eros,' are like love letters to art and beauty itself. The 'plot' is the evolution of Wilde's thoughts: you watch him admire beautiful things, then wonder if that beauty is enough. He questions religion, celebrates the human body, and mourns lost love. It's all the big feelings a young genius has before he becomes famous.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this because it makes Wilde human. The plays are brilliant machines, but these poems feel handmade. You see his doubts and passions before he built his public persona. The language is often breathtakingly beautiful—even when he's being dramatic, it's sincere. It also gives crucial context: the themes that obsessed him here (society vs. the individual, the role of the artist) became the foundation for his later masterpieces. Reading this felt like discovering the secret origin story for one of literature's great minds.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for Wilde fans who want to know the man behind the myth. It's also great for poetry lovers who enjoy rich, descriptive language and emotional depth. If you prefer fast-paced action, this might feel slow—it's a book to savor, not race through. But if you're curious about how a legendary wit grappled with life's biggest questions in his youth, 'Poèmes' is an unforgettable and intimate portrait.