Ballad of Three by Joyce Kilmer
The poem is a lyrical and introspective work that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory. It consists of three stanzas, each of which presents a different perspective on the speaker's relationship with a woman who has died. In the first stanza, the speaker describes the woman as a beautiful and vibrant presence in his life, whose death has left him feeling empty and alone. The second stanza shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on the memories of their time together and the ways in which they have been preserved in his mind. The third stanza presents a more melancholic view, as the speaker acknowledges that even these memories are fading with time, leaving him with only a sense of longing and regret. Throughout the poem, the speaker's use of imagery and metaphor creates a rich and evocative portrait of love and loss.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1913 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Romanticism · 355 words
First lines
Upon the river's brink she stands And tastes the dawn's white breath. She wrings her slender, silver hands, "God's curse on love," she saith. "Love binds me with his cruel bands That break not save with death."
"Now Geoffrey is a huntsman bold And slays the mountain deer, And Hugh plows up the fragrant mold And plucks the ripened ear. In friendship would these twain grow old Did I not dwell anear.
What this Textopian page supports
Ballad of Three is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Romanticism, Tragedy, Ballad
- Length: 355 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses deep personal emotions and reflections on love, making it a prime example of lyric poetry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story involving characters and a conflict, characteristic of narrative poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and individual emotion align with the principles of Romanticism.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of conflict and sorrow, particularly the tragic consequences of love.
Tags
Poetry · Narrative · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Fantasy · Realism · Literary Fiction · Short Story