Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is preset
Against the sweet earth’s flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately ives with the rain.
Poems are made by tools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
~ Alfred Joyce Kilmer
Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, as a member of the Fighting 69th Infantry Regiment, c.1918
Born - December 6, 1886
New Brunswick, New Jersey USA
Died - July 30, 1918
near Seringes-et-Nestles, France
Occupation - poet, journalist, editor, lecturer, soldier
Nationality - American
Period - 1909-1918
Genres - poetry, literary criticism, Catholicism
Notable Works - Main Street and Other Poems (1913)
Trees and other poems
Notable Awards - French Croix de guerre
Purple Heart Medal
Honorable man. Beautiful Poem.
ReplyDeleteDo you know of Nancy Ross Hugo's "Remarkable Trees of Virginia"?
i do love a good tree!
ReplyDeleteOmigosh, the poem brings back memories of sixth grade when my class sang the poem. I loved it then and still do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit. Do come again.
I've always loved this poem! Nioce post, Genie.
ReplyDeleteI love the poem and also the shot.
ReplyDeletePerfectly illustrated! A poem I memorized in grade school.
ReplyDeleteGreat persepctive of the old tree.
ReplyDeleteLovely! Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteNicely framed Genie...
ReplyDeleteI like the poem..I find that old trees have a quiet dignity to them that appeals to me...
ReplyDeleteSomething definitely old school about trees in black and white.
ReplyDeleteLove the poem and your bare tree shot :)
ReplyDeleteEverything is beautiful here!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tree, beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interestingly textured, tree Genie...standing alone like a brave soldier. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletethe tree is great in bw but my mind goes to the sgt. That is something special. :)
ReplyDeletethere really is something in trees that makes me feel so melancholic esp on winter and in bw. this foto makes me feel it right now. :D
ReplyDeleteI have known the first two lines of this poem, but never read the complete work until today. Thanks for expanding my experience of literature and history, and for sharing your illustration!
ReplyDeleteVery good black and white photo and beautiful poem.
ReplyDeleteRegards and best wishes