The Cathedral of Rheims
This poem describes a cathedral's beauty and grandeur, comparing it to the human form. The speaker likens the cathedral's columns to arms, its arches to shoulders, and its vaulted ceiling to a crown. The poem emphasizes the cathedral's majesty and the way it inspires awe in those who behold it.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Religious · 1,008 words
First lines
(From the French of Émile Verhaeren)
He who walks through the meadows of Champagne At noon in Fall, when leaves like gold appear, Sees it draw near Like some great mountain set upon the plain, From radiant dawn until the close of day, Nearer it grows To him who goes Across the country. When tall towers lay Their shadowy pall Upon his way, He enters, where The solid stone is hollowed deep by all Its centuries of beauty and of prayer.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cathedral of Rheims is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Religious, War Literature, Lyrical
- Length: 1,008 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cathedral of Rheims 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 The Cathedral of Rheims?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Our Lord And Our Lady by Hilaire Belloc
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- St Laurence by Joyce Kilmer
- Our National Thanksgiving Hymn by Mary Baker Eddy
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical events and figures, particularly related to the cathedral's significance in French history.
- Religious — Themes of faith, spirituality, and the sacredness of the cathedral are central to the work.
- War Literature — The poem addresses the impact of war on beauty and faith, depicting destruction and loss.
Tags
Cathedral · Architecture · Poetry · Description · Imagery · Symbolism · Beauty · Faith · Spirituality · Medieval · History · Culture