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: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Delicatessen?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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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