Rouge Bouquet by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
The poem is a romantic and sentimental piece that explores the theme of love and loss. It describes a bouquet of flowers given to a woman by her lover, who has since died in battle. The speaker reflects on the beauty and fragility of life, and how even the most beautiful things can be fleeting and ephemeral.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy · 487 words
First lines
In a wood they call the Rouge Bouquet There is a new-made grave to-day, Built by never a spade nor pick Yet covered with earth ten metres thick. There lie many fighting men, Dead in their youthful prime, Never to laugh nor love again Nor taste the Summertime. For Death came flying through the air And stopped his flight at the dugout stair, Touched his prey and left them there, Clay to clay. He hid their bodies stealthily In the soil of the land they fought to free And fled away. Now over the grave abrupt and clear Three volleys ring; And perhaps their brave young spirits hear The bugle sing: "Go to sleep! Go to sleep! Slumber well where the shell screamed and fell. Let your rifles rest on the muddy floor, You will not need them any more. Danger's past; Now at last, Go to sleep!"
What this Textopian page supports
Rouge Bouquet 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: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Patriotic Literature, Religious Poetry
- Length: 487 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Rouge Bouquet 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 Rouge Bouquet?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Flower Of Love by Oscar Wilde
- The Strawberry Shrub by Edna St Vincent Millay
- To Elinor Wylie by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Song by Edgar Allan Poe
- To A Wind Flower by Madison Cawein
- Love Song For Lucinda by Langston Hughes
Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects on the themes of death and sacrifice in war, focusing on the graves of soldiers.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections on loss and valor, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — It serves as a lament for fallen soldiers, mourning their loss and celebrating their bravery.
- Patriotic Literature — The poem honors the soldiers' sacrifice for their country, embodying themes of national pride.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Nature · Love · Flowers · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Sensuality · Intimacy · Beauty