In Memory by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
The poem explores the fleeting nature of memory and its relationship to time. It describes how memories are lost over time, like leaves falling from a tree in autumn. The speaker reflects on the passing of years and the loss of loved ones, highlighting the impermanence of human experience.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Religious Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 506 words
First lines
I. Serene and beautiful and very wise, / Most erudite in curious Grecian lore, / You lay and read your learned books, and bore / A weight of unshed tears and silent sighs. / The song within your heart could never rise / Until love bade it spread its wings and soar. / Nor could you look on Beauty's face before / A poet's burning mouth had touched your eyes. / Love is made out of ecstasy and wonder; / Love is a poignant and accustomed pain. / It is a burst of Heaven-shaking thunder; / It is a linnet's fluting after rain. / Love's voice is through your song; above and under / And in each note to echo and remain.
What this Textopian page supports
In Memory 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, Religious Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In Memory by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses deep emotions and personal reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Religious Poetry — Themes of spirituality and references to Christ indicate a strong religious influence.
- Romantic Poetry — The exploration of love, beauty, and emotional depth aligns with romantic poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — The contemplation of human existence and suffering reflects philosophical themes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Memorial · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Remembrance · Memory · Elegy · Tribute · Ode · Reflection