St. Laurence by Joyce Kilmer (1916)
The poem describes a scene of war where the speaker reflects on the death and destruction caused by conflict. The focus shifts to St. Laurence, who was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Valerian. The poem contrasts the saint's peaceful nature with the chaos of war. It concludes with an expression of hope for peace and a return to tranquility.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1916 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Martyrdom, Historical · 193 words
First lines
Within the broken Vatican The murdered Pope is lying dead. The soldiers of Valerian Their evil hands are wet and red.
Unarmed, unmoved, St. Laurence waits, His cassock is his only mail. The troops of Hell have burst the gates, But Christ is Lord, He shall prevail.
They have encompassed him with steel, They spit upon his gentle face, He smiles and bleeds, nor will reveal The Church's hidden treasure-place.
Ah, faithful steward, worthy knight, Well hast thou done. Behold thy fee! Since thou hast fought the goodly fight A martyr's death is fixed for thee.
What this Textopian page supports
St. Laurence is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Martyrdom, Historical, Lyric Poetry, Heroic Poetry
- Length: 193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for St. Laurence by Joyce Kilmer
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of faith, martyrdom, and divine protection, central to religious poetry.
- Martyrdom — The narrative focuses on the character's sacrifice and steadfastness in the face of persecution.
- Historical — The poem references historical figures and events, situating its themes within a specific historical context.
- Lyric Poetry — The emotional expression and personal reflection on faith and suffering align with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Christianity · Poetry · Religious · Symbolism · Mystery · Faith · Spirituality · Devotion · Saints · Catholicism · Tradition · Mythology