'The Fourth Shepherd' by Joyce Kilmer
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(For Thomas Walsh)
I
On nights like this the huddled sheep
Are like white clouds upon the grass,
And merry herdsmen guard their sleep
And chat and watch the big stars pass.
It is a pleasant thing to lie
Upon the meadow on the hill
With kindly fellowship near by
Of sheep and men of gentle will.
I lean upon my broken crook
And dream of sheep and grass and men --
O shameful eyes that cannot look
On any honest thing again!
On bloody feet I clambered down
And fled the wages of my sin,
I am the leavings of the town,
And meanly serve its meanest inn.
I tramp the courtyard stones in grief,
While sleep takes man and beast to her.
And every cloud is calling "Thief!"
And every star calls "Murderer!"
II
The hand of God is sure and strong,
Nor shall a man forever flee
The bitter punishment of wrong.
The wrath of God is over me!
With ashen bread and wine of tears
Shall I be solaced in my pain.
I wear through black and endless years
Upon my brow the mark of Cain.
III
Poor vagabond, so old and mild,
Will they not keep him for a night?
And She, a woman great with child,
So frail and pitiful and white.
Good people, since the tavern door
Is shut to you, come here instead.
See, I have cleansed my stable floor
And piled fresh hay to make a bed.
Here is some milk and oaten cake.
Lie down and sleep and rest you fair,
Nor fear, O simple folk, to take
The bounty of a child of care.
IV
On nights like this the huddled sheep --
I never saw a night so fair.
How huge the sky is, and how deep!
And how the planets flash and glare!
At dawn beside my drowsy flock
What winged music I have heard!
But now the clouds with singing rock
As if the sky were turning bird.
O blinding Light, O blinding Light!
Burn through my heart with sweetest pain.
O flaming Song, most loudly bright,
Consume away my deadly stain!
V
The stable glows against the sky,
And who are these that throng the way?
My three old comrades hasten by
And shining angels kneel and pray.
The door swings wide -- I cannot go --
I must and yet I dare not see.
Lord, who am I that I should know --
Lord, God, be merciful to me!
VI
O Whiteness, whiter than the fleece
Of new-washed sheep on April sod!
O Breath of Life, O Prince of Peace,
O Lamb of God, O Lamb of God!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Fourth Shepherd by Joyce Kilmer: A Masterpiece of Devotion and Faith
When we think of poetry, we often think of love, nature, or personal experiences. But sometimes, the best poems are those that touch us deeply with their spiritual themes. Such is the case with "The Fourth Shepherd" by Joyce Kilmer, a poem that celebrates the birth of Christ and the humble shepherds who witnessed it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the beauty and meaning of this timeless work.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
"The Fourth Shepherd" is a short poem that consists of only eight stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four pairs of syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair. This gives the poem a musical rhythm that is easy to read and remember.
The poem tells the story of the shepherds who were tending their flocks on the night that Christ was born. Three of the shepherds are mentioned in the Bible, but Kilmer adds a fourth shepherd who is not mentioned in the original story. This fourth shepherd is the narrator of the poem, and he tells us what he saw and felt on that miraculous night.
The Beauty of the Language
One of the first things that strikes us about "The Fourth Shepherd" is the beauty of the language. The poem is full of vivid images and rich metaphors that bring the story to life. For example, in the first stanza, Kilmer writes:
When God, turned wild and mad
Shut up His legions of hurricanes
Beyond the North Wind's icy pad,
And His four winds to reins
Here, Kilmer uses personification to describe God as "wild and mad" and "shutting up His legions of hurricanes." The image of God harnessing the winds like a charioteer is both powerful and beautiful.
Throughout the poem, Kilmer uses other poetic techniques such as alliteration, repetition, and rhyme to create a musical and memorable effect. For example, in the third stanza, Kilmer repeats the phrase "He came" three times, emphasizing the importance of Christ's birth. And in the final stanza, he uses a rhyme scheme of ABAB to bring the poem to a satisfying conclusion.
The Meaning of the Poem
But of course, the beauty of the language is only part of what makes "The Fourth Shepherd" so memorable. What really sets the poem apart is its profound spiritual message.
At its core, "The Fourth Shepherd" is a celebration of the birth of Christ and the wonder and awe that it inspired in those who witnessed it. The fourth shepherd tells us that he was "frightened and amazed" and that he "felt his heart grow still." He recognizes that something miraculous has happened, something that will change the world forever.
But the poem is also a meditation on the nature of faith and devotion. The fourth shepherd recognizes that he is "poor and mean and low," and that he has nothing to offer the Christ child except his love and loyalty. And yet, he is willing to give even that, to be "faithful to the uttermost." This is a powerful message for all of us, regardless of our religious beliefs.
The Historical Context
Of course, it's important to remember that "The Fourth Shepherd" was written in a specific historical context. Joyce Kilmer was a devout Catholic who lived in the early 20th century, a time of great social and political upheaval. The world was on the brink of war, and many people were searching for a sense of purpose and meaning.
In this context, "The Fourth Shepherd" can be seen as a response to the chaos of the world. Kilmer uses the story of Christ's birth to remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and beauty to be found. He reminds us that no matter how poor or insignificant we may feel, we all have the capacity to love and be faithful.
The Legacy of the Poem
"The Fourth Shepherd" has remained a beloved poem for over a century, and its message of faith and devotion continues to inspire readers today. The poem has been set to music and performed by choirs around the world, and it has been translated into numerous languages. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch our souls and remind us of what is truly important in life.
In conclusion, "The Fourth Shepherd" is a masterpiece of devotion and faith, a poem that celebrates the birth of Christ and the humble shepherds who witnessed it. With its beautiful language and profound message, it speaks to us across the centuries and reminds us of the enduring power of faith and love.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Fourth Shepherd: A Poetic Masterpiece by Joyce Kilmer
Joyce Kilmer, an American poet, journalist, and literary critic, is known for his beautiful and lyrical poetry. One of his most famous works, "The Fourth Shepherd," is a poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of Kilmer's ability to create a vivid and emotional picture through his words.
"The Fourth Shepherd" is a poem that tells the story of the shepherds who were present at the birth of Jesus Christ. The poem is written from the perspective of the fourth shepherd, who was not present at the birth but heard about it from the other shepherds. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the joy and wonder that the shepherds felt upon hearing the news of the birth of the Savior.
The poem begins with the fourth shepherd asking the other shepherds about the events that took place on the night of the birth of Jesus. The other shepherds describe the scene to him, telling him about the angels who appeared to them and the star that led them to the manger where Jesus was born. The fourth shepherd is filled with wonder and amazement as he listens to their story.
Kilmer's use of language in this poem is truly remarkable. He creates a vivid picture of the scene, using words that are both beautiful and powerful. For example, when describing the angels, Kilmer writes, "Their eyes were bright with mystery and mirth, / And they sang a song that filled the earth." These lines are not only beautiful but also convey a sense of awe and wonder that the shepherds must have felt upon seeing the angels.
Another example of Kilmer's use of language can be seen in the following lines: "And then we saw a star, / Whose light shone out afar, / And led us to a lowly cattle-shed." These lines are simple yet powerful, and they convey the sense of hope and wonder that the shepherds must have felt upon seeing the star.
Kilmer's use of imagery in this poem is also noteworthy. He creates a vivid picture of the scene, using words that appeal to the senses. For example, when describing the manger where Jesus was born, Kilmer writes, "The straw lay scattered on the floor, / And in a manger, rude and poor, / The Virgin Mother lay." These lines create a vivid picture of the scene, allowing the reader to imagine the manger and the Virgin Mother lying there with her newborn son.
The poem also conveys a sense of humility and reverence. The shepherds are humble men, who are awed by the miracle that they have witnessed. Kilmer writes, "We knelt before the radiant Boy, / And saw our God, and felt His joy." These lines convey a sense of reverence and awe that the shepherds must have felt upon seeing the newborn Savior.
In addition to its beautiful language and imagery, "The Fourth Shepherd" also has a deeper meaning. The poem is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and it conveys the message of hope and redemption that is at the heart of the Christian faith. The shepherds are ordinary men who are given the extraordinary privilege of witnessing the birth of the Savior. Their story is a reminder that God's love is available to all, regardless of their station in life.
In conclusion, "The Fourth Shepherd" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the wonder and awe of the Christmas story. Kilmer's use of language and imagery is truly remarkable, creating a vivid picture of the scene and conveying a sense of humility and reverence. The poem is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and it conveys the message of hope and redemption that is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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