'Kings' by Joyce Kilmer
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(For the Rev. James B. Dollard)
The Kings of the earth are men of might,
And cities are burned for their delight,
And the skies rain death in the silent night,
And the hills belch death all day!
But the King of Heaven, Who made them all,
Is fair and gentle, and very small;
He lies in the straw, by the oxen's stall --
Let them think of Him to-day!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty of Nature in Joyce Kilmer's "Kings"
Joyce Kilmer's poem "Kings" is a beautiful tribute to the majesty of nature. In this 14-line poem, Kilmer captures the essence of the natural world and its power to inspire and uplift us. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and rhyme, Kilmer creates a powerful and moving tribute to the beauty of the world around us.
The Power of Nature
At the heart of "Kings" is Kilmer's belief in the power of nature to move us and inspire us. She begins the poem by describing the "Kings" of the earth, those powerful and majestic creatures that roam the lands. But she quickly turns her attention to the "Kings" of the sky, the clouds that drift above us and bring us rain and life.
"The Kings of the earth are men of might, And cities are burned for their delight; The Kings of the sea are strong in might, And ride on the waves in splendor bright; But the Kings of the sky surpass them far, For more than men their missions are."
Kilmer's use of the word "missions" here is significant. She sees the clouds not just as beautiful natural phenomena, but as messengers of a higher power. They are not bound by the limitations of the earth, but instead soar above us, bringing with them the promise of rain and life.
The Beauty of the Natural World
Through her description of the clouds and the sky, Kilmer evokes a powerful sense of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. She describes the clouds as "white and fleet," soaring above us with a sense of grace and power. And she uses metaphor to capture the sense of awe and wonder that we feel when we look up at the sky:
"Each hour they change and each they die, And beauty born of their passing sigh Takes shape in the blue of the far-off sky, Where the sullen clouds in state pass by."
Here, Kilmer is describing the way that the clouds shift and change over time, creating new patterns and shapes in the sky. But she also suggests that there is something eternal and unchanging in this beauty, something that endures even as the clouds themselves come and go.
The Role of Poetry
One of the most striking aspects of "Kings" is Kilmer's use of language. She writes in a formal, almost archaic style, using rhyme and meter to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in her words. This gives the poem a sense of formality and grandeur, befitting its subject matter.
But Kilmer also suggests that there is something uniquely powerful about poetry itself. She writes:
"The Kings of the earth are men of might, But the Bard of Armagh shall outlive their pride, And the songs he sang, and the tales he told Shall abide when their names are old."
Here, Kilmer is suggesting that the power of poetry is greater even than that of kings and rulers. The words of a poet can endure long after the deeds of mighty men are forgotten. This idea has a certain appeal to us, especially in an age when so much seems fleeting and ephemeral.
Conclusion
In many ways, "Kings" is a poem about the power and beauty of the natural world. But it is also a tribute to the enduring power of language and poetry. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and rhyme, Kilmer creates a powerful and moving tribute to the majesty of the world around us. And in doing so, she reminds us of the importance of taking time to appreciate and celebrate the wonders of nature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Kings: A Masterpiece by Joyce Kilmer
Joyce Kilmer, a renowned American poet, wrote the classic poem "Poetry Kings" in 1914. The poem is a tribute to the great poets of the past, who have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the lines, "The Kings of the earth are men of might, / And cities are burned for their delight." These lines set the tone for the poem, which is a contrast between the power of earthly kings and the enduring legacy of poets. Kilmer suggests that while earthly kings may have power in their time, their legacy is often forgotten. In contrast, poets, who may not have the same power as kings, leave behind a lasting legacy through their words.
The poem then goes on to describe the great poets of the past, such as Homer, Virgil, and Dante. Kilmer describes them as "kings of the mind," who have left behind a legacy that is still celebrated today. The use of the word "kings" to describe these poets is significant, as it suggests that their legacy is just as powerful as that of earthly kings.
Kilmer then goes on to describe the power of poetry, stating that "The nightingale sings his song of love / When the winds of the winter blow." This line suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, and that it can bring comfort and joy even in the darkest of times. Kilmer also suggests that poetry has the power to inspire, stating that "The lark soars up to the morning sun, / When the soul of man is born."
The poem then takes a turn, as Kilmer describes the fate of the great poets of the past. He states that "The Kings of the earth are men of might, / But the poet is the master of the night." This line suggests that while earthly kings may have power during the day, it is the poets who have power during the night, when the world is quiet and still. Kilmer suggests that it is during these quiet moments that the power of poetry is most evident.
Kilmer then goes on to describe the fate of the great poets of the past, stating that "Their crowns are gone, but they still reign / Over men's thoughts and hearts and ways." This line suggests that while the earthly crowns of these poets may have been lost, their legacy still lives on through their words. Kilmer suggests that the power of poetry is not limited by time or space, and that it can continue to inspire and influence people for generations to come.
The poem then ends with the lines, "These are the kings of the earth, who reign / In the kingdoms of beauty and thought and art." These lines suggest that the true kings of the earth are not those who have earthly power, but those who have the power to inspire and create beauty through their words. Kilmer suggests that it is through the power of poetry that we can truly understand the world around us, and that it is through the words of great poets that we can find meaning and purpose in our lives.
In terms of structure, "Poetry Kings" is a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of the sonnet form is significant, as it is traditionally used to express love and admiration. Kilmer's use of the sonnet form suggests that he is expressing his love and admiration for the great poets of the past, and that he sees them as worthy of the same admiration and respect as earthly kings.
In terms of literary devices, Kilmer uses a number of techniques to convey his message. One of the most prominent is the use of metaphor, particularly the metaphor of poets as kings. Kilmer uses this metaphor to suggest that the power of poetry is just as great as the power of earthly kings, and that the legacy of great poets is just as enduring.
Kilmer also uses imagery to convey his message, particularly the imagery of nature. He uses images of birds, such as the nightingale and the lark, to suggest that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, and that it can bring comfort and joy even in the darkest of times.
Finally, Kilmer uses repetition to emphasize his message. He repeats the line "The Kings of the earth are men of might" twice in the poem, emphasizing the contrast between the power of earthly kings and the enduring legacy of poets.
In conclusion, "Poetry Kings" is a masterpiece of American poetry, and a tribute to the great poets of the past. Kilmer's use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition, as well as his choice of the sonnet form, all contribute to the power and beauty of the poem. Through his words, Kilmer suggests that the true kings of the earth are not those who have earthly power, but those who have the power to inspire and create beauty through their words.
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