Love's Thoroughfare by Joyce Kilmer
The poem explores the idea that love can be a thoroughfare for spiritual growth and self-discovery. It describes how love can lead one through life's challenges and difficulties, ultimately revealing one's true nature and purpose. The speaker reflects on the transformative power of love, which allows them to transcend their limitations and become something more than they were before.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Spiritual · 174 words
First lines
As down the primrose path to Love I trod The golden flowers kissed my eager feet, The wayside trees with singing birds were sweet, The summer air was like the smile of God. "Turn back! " said one, "escape the avenging rod. Soon thou the deathless flames of Hell shall meet. " But I pressed on and thought of no retreat, Till soon with fire I was clothed and shod.
But through the burning vales of Hell where flow The molten streams of bitterest despair, Made blind by pain I stumbled on, and lo! I stood at last in Love's own perfumed air. So, having reached my journey's end I know That God made Hell to be Love's thoroughfare.
What this Textopian page supports
Love's Thoroughfare 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, Spiritual, Allegory, Philosophical
- Length: 174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- Flower Of Love by Oscar Wilde
- Garden by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Lovers by Emily Dickinson
- Just You by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Oh Night Of Love by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Loves Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and personal experience reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Spiritual — The exploration of love as a divine journey suggests spiritual themes and connections.
- Allegory — The narrative serves as an allegorical representation of the journey through love and its challenges.
Tags
Romance · Poetry · Love · Nature · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery · Figurative Language · Literary Device · Emotional Expression · Intimacy · Relationships