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.
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
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: Easy (6th Grade)
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