The Rosary by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
This poem explores the theme of spirituality and devotion through a series of prayers and reflections on the rosary. It presents a traditional Catholic prayer practice as a means to connect with God and seek guidance. The speaker reflects on the mysteries of the rosary, including the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and expresses a desire for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Inspirational Literature · 171 words
First lines
Not on the lute, or harp of many strings Shall all men praise the Master of all song. Our life is brief, one saith, and art is long; And skilled must be the laureates of kings. Silent, O lips that utter foolish things! Rest, awkward fingers striking all notes wrong! How from your toil shall issue, white and strong, Music like that God's chosen poet sings?
There is one harp that any hand can play, And from its strings what harmonies arise! There is one song that any mouth can say, -- A song that lingers when all singing dies. When on their beads our Mother's children pray, Immortal music charms the grateful skies.
What this Textopian page supports
The Rosary 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: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Inspirational Literature, Devotional Literature, Philosophical Poetry
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Theology by Joyce Kilmer
- Father I Bring Thee Not Myself by Emily Dickinson
- Sonnet Written In Holy Week At Genoa by Oscar Wilde
- Evening Hymn Of The Reverend Eli Jenkins by Dylan Thomas
- Sonnet On Hearing The Dies Irae Sung In The Sistine Chapel by Oscar Wilde
- What Of The Day by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of prayer and spirituality, focusing on the significance of the rosary in religious practice.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry, with a musical quality.
- Inspirational Literature — The text aims to inspire readers through its themes of faith and the power of prayer.
- Devotional Literature — It serves as a form of devotion, emphasizing the importance of prayer in one's spiritual life.
Tags
Poetry · Religious · Spiritual · Meditative · Symbolic · Imagery-rich · Nature-inspired · Catholicism · Prayerful · Reflective · Contemplative · Inner-life