'To Certain Poets' by Joyce Kilmer
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Now is the rhymer's honest trade
A thing for scornful laughter made.
The merchant's sneer, the clerk's disdain,
These are the burden of our pain.
Because of you did this befall,
You brought this shame upon us all.
You little poets mincing there
With women's hearts and women's hair!
How sick Dan Chaucer's ghost must be
To hear you lisp of "Poesie"!
A heavy-handed blow, I think,
Would make your veins drip scented ink.
You strut and smirk your little while
So mildly, delicately vile!
Your tiny voices mock God's wrath,
You snails that crawl along His path!
Why, what has God or man to do
With wet, amorphous things like you?
This thing alone you have achieved:
Because of you, it is believed
That all who earn their bread by rhyme
Are like yourselves, exuding slime.
Oh, cease to write, for very shame,
Ere all men spit upon our name!
Take up your needles, drop your pen,
And leave the poet's craft to men!
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Certain Poets by Joyce Kilmer: A Poem of Praise and Criticism
As a lover of poetry, I am always on the lookout for new works that capture the essence of the human experience. One such work that has stood the test of time is Joyce Kilmer's "To Certain Poets." This poem is a masterpiece of praise and criticism, as Kilmer examines the work of his fellow poets and offers his thoughts on their craft. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of "To Certain Poets," exploring how Kilmer's words still resonate with readers today.
Themes
At its core, "To Certain Poets" is a poem about the nature of poetry itself. Kilmer explores the idea that poetry is both a reflection of the world around us and a means of elevating that world to new heights. He praises his fellow poets for their ability to capture the beauty of the natural world, to find meaning in the mundane, and to express the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human heart.
At the same time, Kilmer is not afraid to offer criticism when he feels it is warranted. He chides his fellow poets for their tendency to be overly sentimental, relying too heavily on clichés and stock phrases. He urges them to strive for greater originality and to avoid the pitfalls of cheap sentimentality.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "To Certain Poets" is its vivid imagery. Kilmer uses a variety of sensory details to bring the world of his fellow poets to life. He describes the "misty hills" and the "tinkling, dripping rills" that are so often the subject of their poetry. He conjures up images of "twilight's purple haze" and "moonlit snow" to create a sense of the natural beauty that inspires their work.
At the same time, Kilmer is not content to simply describe the scenery around his fellow poets. He uses this imagery to make a deeper point about the nature of poetry itself. By highlighting the beauty of the natural world, Kilmer is showing how poetry has the power to elevate that world, to make it more meaningful and profound.
Language
Of course, no discussion of "To Certain Poets" would be complete without a closer look at Kilmer's language. His use of language is one of the reasons why this poem has endured for so long. Kilmer has a gift for turning a phrase, for creating a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both beautiful and memorable.
He also has a knack for using language to convey complex ideas in a simple and straightforward way. Consider his description of the "moonlit snow" mentioned earlier. This simple phrase not only conjures up a vivid image but also suggests a deeper meaning. The moon, with its associations of mystery and magic, transforms the snow into something more than just a simple natural phenomenon. It becomes a symbol of the power of poetry to transform the world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To Certain Poets" is a poem that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its themes, imagery, and language are all masterfully crafted, and they combine to create a work that is both beautiful and profound. Kilmer's ability to combine praise and criticism in a way that is both honest and uplifting is a testament to his skill as a poet. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone looking for a deeper understanding of the human experience, "To Certain Poets" is a work that is well worth exploring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas through words. Joyce Kilmer's "Poetry To Certain Poets" is a classic poem that captures the essence of poetry and its importance in our lives. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing certain poets who have "learned the craft of verse." The speaker acknowledges the poets' skill in writing poetry but also notes that they have missed the true essence of poetry. The speaker believes that poetry is not just about the technicalities of writing but also about the emotions and experiences that are conveyed through the words.
Kilmer's use of imagery in the first stanza is particularly striking. The speaker describes the poets as "mechanics of the phrase" and "masters of the rhyme." These phrases suggest that the poets are skilled in the technical aspects of writing poetry but lack the emotional depth that is necessary to create truly great poetry. The speaker goes on to say that the poets have "forgotten the joy that lifts the heart" and "the tears that blind the eyes." These lines suggest that the poets have become so focused on the technical aspects of writing that they have forgotten the true purpose of poetry, which is to evoke emotions in the reader.
In the second stanza, the speaker contrasts the poets' approach to poetry with his own. The speaker says that he writes poetry "not for the rose and not for the nightingale" but rather for "the face of my beloved." This line suggests that the speaker writes poetry to express his emotions and experiences rather than to create beautiful images or rhymes. The speaker goes on to say that he writes poetry "not for the eyes of the crowd" but rather for "the ears of my friend." This line suggests that the speaker writes poetry for a specific audience, someone who understands and appreciates the emotions and experiences that are conveyed through the words.
Kilmer's use of repetition in the second stanza is particularly effective. The repetition of the phrase "not for" emphasizes the speaker's rejection of the traditional approach to poetry and his focus on the emotional and personal aspects of writing.
In the third stanza, the speaker acknowledges that the poets he is addressing may not understand his approach to poetry. The speaker says that he does not expect the poets to understand his poetry because they "have not known the kiss of the dawn" or "the thrill of the first snow." These lines suggest that the poets have not experienced the same emotions and experiences that the speaker has, and therefore may not be able to appreciate his poetry.
The speaker goes on to say that he does not write poetry for the poets but rather for "the lonely heart that cries." This line suggests that the speaker writes poetry for those who are experiencing emotions similar to his own, those who are looking for a way to express their feelings and connect with others.
In the final stanza, the speaker acknowledges that his approach to poetry may not be popular or well-received by the literary community. The speaker says that he does not write poetry to win awards or gain recognition but rather to "sing the song of my heart." This line suggests that the speaker writes poetry for himself, as a way to express his emotions and experiences.
Kilmer's use of metaphor in the final stanza is particularly effective. The speaker compares his poetry to a bird that sings "in the darkness before the dawn." This metaphor suggests that the speaker's poetry is a beacon of hope and light in a world that can often be dark and difficult.
In conclusion, Joyce Kilmer's "Poetry To Certain Poets" is a classic poem that captures the essence of poetry and its importance in our lives. The poem emphasizes the emotional and personal aspects of writing poetry and rejects the traditional approach that focuses solely on the technical aspects of writing. Kilmer's use of imagery, repetition, and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's message. The poem serves as a reminder that poetry is not just a form of art but also a way to connect with others and express our emotions and experiences.
Editor Recommended Sites
Database Migration - CDC resources for Oracle, Postgresql, MSQL, Bigquery, Redshift: Resources for migration of different SQL databases on-prem or multi cloudTraining Course: The best courses on programming languages, tutorials and best practice
Changelog - Dev Change Management & Dev Release management: Changelog best practice for developers
Best Datawarehouse: Data warehouse best practice across the biggest players, redshift, bigquery, presto, clickhouse
Games Like ...: Games similar to your favorite games you liek
Recommended Similar Analysis
You know the place: then by Sappho analysisBirthdays by Robert Service analysis
To Sleep by John Keats analysis
So, We'll Go No More A Roving by Lord Byron analysis
If I can stop one heart from breaking, by Emily Dickinson analysis
Cross by Langston Hughes analysis
To His Mistress Going to Bed by John Donne analysis
Isles of Greece, The by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
A Poet's Epitaph by William Wordsworth analysis
Two Thieves, The by William Wordsworth analysis