Love's Rosary by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
The poem explores the theme of love and its transformative power through a series of interconnected images and metaphors. The speaker describes love as a rosary, with each bead representing a different aspect of their beloved's character. The poem builds towards a crescendo of devotion, emphasizing the all-consuming nature of love.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 202 words
First lines
Love's rosary is ours this holiday, So let us worship Eros, Lord of bliss. Let me be priest and teach you as we pray Love's rosary. The first fair golden globe denotes a kiss, Curve your sweet lips the proper churchly way, And you must lie within my arms at this. Keep all the rites! It will not do to miss A single bead in all the long array. Ah, Sweet, we'll tell on every day, I wis, Love's rosary.
"The Princess cried; her tears fell on the ground Like pearls of moonlight, precious, fair and round. " But when the Princess whom I worship cries Then from the clouded heaven of her eyes Rain of such sweet wild loveliness I sip My heart says "Stop! " but not my eager lip.
What this Textopian page supports
Love's Rosary 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Religious, Symbolism
- Length: 202 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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- Work identity for Love's Rosary by Joyce Kilmer
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- The Lovers by Emily Dickinson
- My Worship From This Hour by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Thurifer by Joyce Kilmer
- Flower Of Love by Oscar Wilde
- Oh Night Of Love by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Just You by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and devotion.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and emotional expression align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the content reflects the qualities of lyric poetry.
- Religious — The invocation of worship and spiritual elements suggests a connection to religious themes.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Spirituality · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Love · Religion · Mysticism · Beauty · Suffering