Joyce Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer was an American poet of the early 20th century, best known for the widely anthologized poem "Trees". His lyric verse often celebrated nature and religious faith. Biography ↓More ↓

Most common moods

Most common topics

Poems

Joyce Kilmer

Gates and Doors

(For Richardson Little Wright) There was a gentle hostler (And blessed be his name!) He opened up the stable The night Our Lady came. Our Lady and Saint Joseph, He gave them food and bed, And Jesus Christ has given him A glory round his head. So let the gate swing open However poor the yard, Lest weary people visit you And find their passage barred; Unlatch the door at midnight And let your lantern's glow Shine out to guide the traveler's

Joyce Kilmer

Apology

(For Eleanor Rogers Cox) For blows on the fort of evil That never shows a breach, For terrible life-long races To a goal no foot can reach, For reckless leaps into darkness With hands outstretched to a star, There is jubilation in Heaven Where the great dead poets are. There is joy over disappointment And delight in hopes that were vain. Each poet is glad there was no cure To stop his lonely pain. For nothing keeps a poet In his high singing mood Like unappeasable hunger

Easter

Biography

Joyce Kilmer was an American poet born in 1886 who died in battle during World War I in 1918. He worked as a journalist and lecturer before enlisting. His poetry is characterized by simple, traditional forms and often explores themes of nature, beauty, and religious faith, reflecting his devout Catholicism. He is best remembered for the poem "Trees", which gained widespread popularity and remains a staple of anthologies. His other collections include "Summer of Love" and "Main Street and Other Poems". Kilmer's work and his death as a soldier contributed to his legacy as a patriotic figure.

Learn Poems app

Pick a short Kilmer poem and learn it today.

Step-by-step learning, voice recordings you can share, and review reminders.