'The Thorn' by Joyce Kilmer
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(For the Rev. Charles L. O'Donnell, C. S. C.)
The garden of God is a radiant place,
And every flower has a holy face:
Our Lady like a lily bends above the cloudy sod,
But Saint Michael is the thorn on the rosebush of God.
David is the song upon God's lips,
And Our Lady is the goblet that He sips:
And Gabriel's the breath of His command,
But Saint Michael is the sword in God's right hand.
The Ivory Tower is fair to see,
And may her walls encompass me!
But when the Devil comes with the thunder of his might,
Saint Michael, show me how to fight!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Thorn: A Haunting and Nostalgic Poem by Joyce Kilmer
Have you ever felt a lingering sadness that seems to have no clear source? Like a thorn in your heart that pricks you every time you try to forget it? If you have, then you might relate to Joyce Kilmer's haunting poem, "The Thorn." In this 21-line masterpiece, Kilmer weaves a tale of loss, regret, and longing, using powerful imagery and a musical cadence that echoes in the reader's mind long after the last line.
An Overview of the Poem
At first glance, "The Thorn" seems like an innocent nature poem, describing a simple scene of a thorn bush growing in a field. However, as you read on, you realize that the thorn bush is a metaphor for something much deeper and more complex. The speaker, who is never identified but seems to be a sensitive and introspective person, reflects on the thorn bush and its significance for him or her.
The first stanza sets the tone and introduces the central image:
The thorn-bush in the hedgerow,
The reed by the pool of the spring,
The old song that you dared not sing—
Oh, this Springtide everything
Has a plaintive sound to the ear,
And a bittersweet taste to the tongue.
Here, Kilmer establishes the setting and the mood of the poem. It is Spring, a time of renewal and hope, but also a time of sadness and melancholy. The speaker hears a "plaintive sound" in everything around him, from the thorn bush to the reed by the pool to the old song that he or she dared not sing. The last line, "Has a bittersweet taste to the tongue," hints at a deeper emotional connection to these things, as if they evoke memories or feelings that are both pleasant and painful.
In the second stanza, the speaker focuses on the thorn bush itself and describes it in detail:
The thorn-bush stands in the shadow
Of the hedgerow in the field,
The white mist clings to its thorn,
Tears in its berries are sealed.
The thorn bush is not just any bush but one that stands in the shadow, suggesting a place of secrecy or seclusion. The white mist that clings to its thorn creates a sense of mystery and enchantment, as if the bush is surrounded by a magical aura. The tears in its berries are sealed, which could mean that they are ripe and ready to be picked, or that they are hidden from view, like the speaker's own emotions.
In the third stanza, the speaker reveals the personal significance of the thorn bush:
The thorn-bush stands in the shadow
Of my sorrow and my sin,
A veil hangs o'er its berry,
Red as my blood within.
Here, we learn that the thorn bush represents the speaker's "sorrow and sin," which are not explained but left to the reader's imagination. The veil that hangs over its berry could be interpreted as a symbol of the speaker's own guilt or shame, which prevent him or her from enjoying the beauty of life. The redness of the berry, which echoes the color of blood, suggests a connection between the bush and the speaker's own life force, as if they are both wounded and bleeding.
In the fourth and final stanza, the speaker reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death:
The thorn-bush blooms in the hedgerow,
A bird sings on the bough,
My mind swings back to chiildhood,
To my mother's knee and how
She taught me a Christian hymn
In tones so sweet and low,
A hymn to love and mercy,
That I sang long ago.
Here, the speaker shifts from the present to the past, as memories of childhood and the speaker's mother flood his or her mind. The bird singing on the bough adds a touch of sweetness and innocence to the scene, contrasting with the thorn bush and the speaker's own troubled emotions. The Christian hymn that the mother taught the speaker serves as a reminder of the power of love and mercy, which can heal even the deepest wounds. The fact that the speaker sang the hymn "long ago" suggests a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when life was simpler and more innocent.
Interpreting "The Thorn"
So what does "The Thorn" mean, and why has it captivated readers for over a century? As with any great work of literature, there is no one right answer but multiple interpretations that depend on the reader's own experiences and perspectives. Here are a few possible ways of understanding "The Thorn":
A Poem about Guilt and Redemption
One of the most common interpretations of "The Thorn" is that it is a poem about guilt and redemption. The thorn bush represents the speaker's "sorrow and sin," which he or she cannot escape but must confront. The veil that hangs over its berry symbolizes the speaker's own shame and secrecy, which prevent him or her from fully enjoying life. However, the final stanza suggests that there is hope for the speaker, through the power of love and mercy. The Christian hymn that the mother taught the speaker serves as a reminder that there is a higher force that can forgive and heal, even the deepest wounds. The fact that the speaker remembers the hymn from childhood suggests that it has a special meaning and power for him or her, and that it is a source of comfort and solace in difficult times.
A Poem about Memory and Nostalgia
Another way of interpreting "The Thorn" is as a poem about memory and nostalgia. The thorn bush, with its white mist and tears, represents a past that is both haunting and alluring for the speaker. The fact that he or she hears a "plaintive sound" in everything around him or her suggests a sense of longing for a time or a place that is gone forever. The memories of childhood and the mother's Christian hymn serve as a reminder of a simpler and more innocent time, when the speaker was not burdened by the weight of guilt or sorrow. However, the fact that the speaker sings the hymn "long ago" suggests that this time is irretrievable, and that the speaker must find a way to reconcile himself or herself to the present.
A Poem about the Beauty and Tragedy of Life
A third way of interpreting "The Thorn" is as a poem about the beauty and tragedy of life. The thorn bush, with its white mist and tears, represents the fragile and fleeting nature of life itself. The fact that it blooms in the hedgerow suggests that it is a part of the natural cycle of birth, growth, and decay. The tears in its berries could be interpreted as a symbol of the pain and suffering that are an inevitable part of life, but also as a reminder of the beauty and sweetness that can be found even in the midst of sorrow. The fact that the speaker hears a "plaintive sound" in everything around him or her suggests a sense of empathy and compassion for all living things, and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things.
A Poem about Poetry
Finally, "The Thorn" can be seen as a poem about poetry itself. The fact that the thorn bush is a metaphor for the speaker's own emotions suggests that poetry is a way of expressing and exploring the deepest parts of the self. The musical cadence of the poem, with its repetition of sounds and phrases, creates a sense of rhythm and harmony that echoes the natural world. The fact that the speaker hears a "plaintive sound" in everything around him or her suggests that poetry is a way of tuning in to the subtle nuances of language and sound, and of finding beauty and meaning in even the smallest things.
Conclusion
"The Thorn" is a poem that invites multiple interpretations and speaks to the universal themes of loss, regret, and longing. Joyce Kilmer's use of imagery, sound, and rhythm creates a haunting and nostalgic atmosphere that lingers in the reader's mind long after the last line. Whether you see the thorn bush as a symbol of guilt and redemption, memory and nostalgia, the beauty and tragedy of life, or poetry itself, there is no denying the power and beauty of this classic poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Thorn: A Poem of Nature and Human Emotions
Joyce Kilmer, the renowned American poet, is best known for his love of nature and his ability to capture its beauty in his poetry. One of his most famous works, "The Thorn," is a perfect example of his ability to blend the natural world with human emotions.
The poem is a simple yet powerful description of a thorn bush in the woods. Kilmer begins by describing the bush in detail, noting its "ragged boughs" and "sharp, cruel thorns." He then goes on to describe the emotions that the bush evokes in him, saying that it "fills my heart with dreams" and "stirs my blood with wild desires."
At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple description of nature, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Kilmer is using the thorn bush as a metaphor for the human experience. The thorns represent the hardships and challenges that we face in life, while the beauty of the bush represents the hope and joy that we can find in the midst of those challenges.
Kilmer's use of language is particularly effective in conveying this message. He describes the thorns as "sharp, cruel," and "barbed," emphasizing the pain and difficulty that they represent. However, he also notes that the bush is "fair and full of grace," highlighting the beauty and resilience that can be found in even the most difficult situations.
The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Kilmer notes that the thorn bush "will not bloom in May," reminding us that all things must come to an end. However, he also notes that the bush "will live another day," suggesting that even in death, there is the possibility of new life and growth.
Overall, "The Thorn" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Kilmer's use of nature as a metaphor for human emotions is both powerful and effective, and his language is both evocative and beautiful. It is a testament to his skill as a poet and his deep understanding of the world around him.
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