The King's Ballad by Joyce Kilmer
This poem is a narrative that tells the story of a king who has lost his way and is searching for meaning in life. He encounters various people on his journey, including a beggar, a merchant, and a wise old man, each of whom offers him advice and guidance. The king's search ultimately leads him to realize that true happiness comes from within and that he must look inward to find fulfillment.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1914 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 327 words
First lines
Good my king, in your garden close, (Hark to the thrush's trilling,) Why so sad when the maiden rose Love at your feet is spilling? Golden the air and honey-sweet, Sapphire the sky, it is not meet Sorrowful faces should flowers greet, (Hark to the thrush's trilling.)
All alone walks the king to-day, (Hark to the thrush's trilling,) Far from the throne he steals away Loneness and quiet willing. Roses and tulips and lilies fair Smile for his pleasure everywhere, Yet of their joyaunce he takes no share, (Hark to the thrush's trilling.)
What this Textopian page supports
The King's Ballad is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1914 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: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Nature Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 327 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The King's Ballad by Joyce Kilmer
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, typical of elegiac themes.
- Nature Poetry — Nature imagery is prevalent, enhancing the emotional landscape of the poem.
Tags
Fiction · Poetry · Ballad · Historical Fiction · Literary Fiction · American Literature · 20th Century Literature · Verse Novel · Narrative Poetry · Storytelling · Imagery · Symbolism