As Winds that Blow against a Star
The poem explores the theme of love and longing through the metaphor of wind and star. The speaker describes the wind as a force that blows against the star, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles that lovers face in their relationship. Despite these difficulties, the speaker affirms the enduring nature of love, comparing it to the star's steady light in the darkness.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry · 122 words
First lines
(For Aline)
Now by what whim of wanton chance / Do radiant eyes know sombre days? / And feet that shod in light should dance / Walk weary and laborious ways?
But rays from Heaven, white and whole, / May penetrate the gloom of earth; / And tears but nourish, in your soul, / The glory of celestial mirth.
The darts of toil and sorrow, sent / Against your peaceful beauty, are / As foolish and as impotent / As winds that blow against a star.
What this Textopian page supports
As Winds that Blow against a Star is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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- Work identity for As Winds that Blow against a Star by Joyce Kilmer
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Similar titles
- Stars by Joyce Kilmer
- Spring In The North Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- Aurora by Emily Dickinson
- The Moon by Emily Dickinson
- A Draught Of Sunshine by John Keats
- I Know A Place Where Summer Strives by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its emotional expression and musical quality, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth align with the principles of Romanticism.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of existential themes and the nature of suffering reflects philosophical inquiry.
- Religious Poetry — The references to celestial and spiritual elements indicate a religious or spiritual dimension.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Romanticism · Optimism · Hope · Freedom · Spirituality · Cosmology