Delicatessen by Joyce Kilmer (1914)
The poem explores the theme of a delicatessen owner's nostalgia for his homeland and culture. The speaker describes the various meats and cheeses on display, but also expresses a longing for the simplicity and authenticity of traditional cuisine. The poem touches on the idea that even in a foreign land, one can still find comfort in familiar flavors and traditions.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 897 words
First lines
Why is that wanton gossip Fame / So dumb about this man's affairs? / Why do we twitter at his name / Who come to buy his curious wares?
Here is a shop of wonderment. / From every land has come a prize; / Rich spices from the Orient, / And fruit that knew Italian skies,
What this Textopian page supports
Delicatessen is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Character Study, Realism
- Length: 897 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Delicatessen by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore the depth of human experience, relationships, and the dignity of everyday life.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal values regarding fame and the overlooked contributions of ordinary individuals.
- Character Study — The focus on the shopkeeper's life and inner thoughts provides a deep exploration of character.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Food · Imagery · Sensory · Descriptive · Vivid · Language · Symbolic · Metaphorical · Figurative · Literary