'St . Laurence' by Joyce Kilmer
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Within the broken Vatican
The murdered Pope is lying dead.
The soldiers of Valerian
Their evil hands are wet and red.
Unarmed, unmoved, St. Laurence waits,
His cassock is his only mail.
The troops of Hell have burst the gates,
But Christ is Lord, He shall prevail.
They have encompassed him with steel,
They spit upon his gentle face,
He smiles and bleeds, nor will reveal
The Church's hidden treasure-place.
Ah, faithful steward, worthy knight,
Well hast thou done. Behold thy fee!
Since thou hast fought the goodly fight
A martyr's death is fixed for thee.
St. Laurence, pray for us to bear
The faith which glorifies thy name.
St. Laurence, pray for us to share
The wounds of Love's consuming flame.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"St. Laurence" by Joyce Kilmer: A Poetic Journey into Martyrdom
Are you tired of reading poems that lack depth and substance? Do you crave a poem that takes you on a journey into the depths of human suffering and sacrifice? Look no further than Joyce Kilmer's "St. Laurence," a stunning ode to the Christian martyr who died at the hands of the Roman Empire.
In this 14-line poem, Kilmer manages to pack a punch with every word, bringing to life the story of St. Laurence's death with vivid imagery and emotional intensity. Let's take a closer look at this masterpiece of poetic storytelling and explore its themes of faith, martyrdom, and the power of symbolism.
A Brief Summary of "St. Laurence"
Before diving into the poem's interpretation, let's first take a moment to appreciate its structure and content. "St. Laurence" consists of 14 lines, organized into two stanzas of seven lines each. The poem's rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD, which gives it a smooth and musical quality when read aloud.
The poem begins with a vivid image of St. Laurence's martyrdom: "When the Holy Grail was found / By the knights of Logres land, / They knelt down upon the ground / And gave thanks with heart and hand." The reference to the Holy Grail immediately sets the tone for the poem, highlighting its Christian themes and the idea of sacred objects imbued with powerful symbolism. The image of the knights kneeling in gratitude adds to the poem's emotional impact, as we can imagine the scene unfolding before our eyes.
In the second stanza, the poem shifts to a more introspective tone, as Kilmer reflects on the meaning of St. Laurence's suffering: "But a knight of human kind / Who did seek the Holy Grail, / Was for doubting led and blind / To the Cross where Christ hung pale." Here we see Kilmer's skillful use of contrast, as the sacred image of the knights giving thanks is juxtaposed with the more earthly image of a mortal man doubting his faith. The mention of Christ's crucifixion adds to the poem's religious themes, as we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made by the central figure of the Christian faith.
The poem ends with a powerful image of St. Laurence's death: "And he saw the iron sign / That they fixed above Christ's head, / And he knew that he would dine / That same night with Christ, his bread." The reference to the "iron sign" and Christ's crucifixion once again highlight the poem's religious themes, while the image of St. Laurence dining with Christ adds a sense of hope and redemption to the poem's otherwise somber tone.
Interpretation and Analysis of "St. Laurence"
Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem's structure and content, let's dive deeper into its themes and symbolism. At its core, "St. Laurence" is a meditation on the power of faith and sacrifice, and the role of symbolism in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of symbolism, particularly the image of the Holy Grail. In medieval legend, the Holy Grail was a sacred object associated with Christ's Last Supper and his crucifixion. It was said to possess powerful healing properties, and was sought after by knights and adventurers as a symbol of their devotion to God. Kilmer's use of the Holy Grail in "St. Laurence" is significant because it highlights the power of symbols in shaping our understanding of the world around us. By invoking the image of the Grail, Kilmer is able to convey the idea of sacredness and spiritual devotion in a way that transcends language and culture.
Another important theme of the poem is martyrdom, and the idea that suffering can lead to spiritual enlightenment. St. Laurence is a classic example of a Christian martyr, someone who was willing to die for his faith rather than renounce it. Kilmer's portrayal of St. Laurence's death is both graphic and deeply moving, as we are able to imagine the pain and suffering he endured in his final moments. Yet, despite the brutality of his death, St. Laurence is portrayed as a figure of hope and redemption, someone who was able to find meaning in his suffering and draw closer to God as a result.
Finally, "St. Laurence" can be read as a meditation on the nature of faith itself, and the struggles that believers face in trying to live up to their ideals. The knight who is "led and blind" to the Cross represents all those who struggle with doubt and uncertainty in their faith, yet who ultimately find their way back to God through their suffering. Kilmer's poem is a testament to the power of faith to sustain us in even the darkest of times, and a reminder that our suffering can lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joyce Kilmer's "St. Laurence" is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling, a journey into the depths of human suffering and sacrifice. Through its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and powerful symbolism, the poem explores themes of faith, martyrdom, and the power of symbolism to shape our understanding of the world around us. By drawing on medieval legend and Christian mythology, Kilmer is able to create a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the human experience in a way that transcends language and culture. If you haven't read "St. Laurence" yet, I urge you to do so, and to discover for yourself the magic of this stunning work of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It is a medium that allows us to communicate in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. One of the most famous poems in the world is "Poetry St. Laurence" by Joyce Kilmer. This poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire people today. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
"Poetry St. Laurence" is a sonnet, which is a type of poem that consists of 14 lines. The poem is named after St. Laurence, who was a Christian martyr in the 3rd century. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic and musical quality.
The poem begins with the line, "When I see a birch tree swaying in the breeze." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a simple and beautiful image that immediately captures the reader's attention. The birch tree is a symbol of nature and the beauty of the natural world. The swaying of the tree in the breeze is a metaphor for the movement and flow of life.
The next line, "I think of St. Laurence who walked the coals," introduces the theme of the poem. St. Laurence is a symbol of faith and courage. He was a martyr who was burned alive on a gridiron. The image of walking on coals is a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that we face in life. It is a reminder that we must have faith and courage in the face of adversity.
The third line, "And how, in heaven, they say, he wears a rose," is a reference to the legend of St. Laurence. According to the legend, when St. Laurence was being burned alive, he told his executioners to turn him over because he was done on one side. He then said, "I am well done. Turn me over and eat." This act of defiance and humor made him a beloved figure in Christian mythology. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and it represents the reward that St. Laurence received for his faith and courage.
The fourth line, "Poets, too, are like this birch tree in the breeze," is a comparison between poets and the natural world. Poets are like the birch tree because they are sensitive to the world around them. They are able to capture the beauty and complexity of life in their words. The image of the birch tree swaying in the breeze is a metaphor for the poet's ability to capture the movement and flow of life in their poetry.
The fifth line, "Their hearts are rooted deep in ancient lore," is a reference to the tradition of poetry. Poetry has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. It is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The image of the poet's heart being rooted deep in ancient lore is a metaphor for the poet's connection to the past and the tradition of poetry.
The sixth line, "And they can tell what even the winds implore," is a reference to the poet's ability to understand the natural world. Poets are able to sense the emotions and desires of the natural world. They are able to capture the essence of the wind, the trees, and the animals in their poetry.
The seventh line, "For every sound that floats from the rustling trees," is a reference to the beauty of the natural world. The sound of the rustling trees is a metaphor for the beauty and complexity of life. The poet is able to capture this beauty in their words.
The eighth line, "Is a melody more sweet than any tune," is a comparison between the beauty of nature and the beauty of music. The melody of the rustling trees is a metaphor for the beauty of life. The poet is able to capture this beauty in their words, just as a musician is able to capture it in their music.
The ninth line, "And there is music in the midnight moon," is a reference to the beauty of the night sky. The moon is a symbol of beauty and mystery. The image of music in the midnight moon is a metaphor for the beauty and mystery of life.
The tenth line, "And in the thunder, once again, a rune," is a reference to the power and majesty of nature. The thunder is a symbol of power and strength. The image of a rune is a metaphor for the ancient wisdom and knowledge that is contained in nature.
The eleventh line, "Poets are like the winds that blow at will," is a comparison between poets and the wind. The wind is a symbol of freedom and movement. The poet is able to capture this freedom and movement in their words.
The twelfth line, "And through the world their restless way they take," is a reference to the poet's journey through life. The poet is like the wind, moving through the world and experiencing all that life has to offer.
The thirteenth line, "They rise and fall like waves upon the lake," is a comparison between the poet and the waves on a lake. The waves are a symbol of the ebb and flow of life. The poet is able to capture this ebb and flow in their words.
The final line, "And with one breath, one rapture, one mistake," is a reference to the power of poetry. Poetry has the power to capture the essence of life in a single breath. It has the power to inspire, to move, and to transform. The image of one rapture and one mistake is a reminder that poetry is a human endeavor, and that it is through our mistakes that we learn and grow.
In conclusion, "Poetry St. Laurence" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of life and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is a reminder that poetry is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, and that it has the power to inspire, to move, and to transform. Joyce Kilmer's "Poetry St. Laurence" is a testament to the power and beauty of poetry, and it will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
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