The Thorn by Joyce Kilmer (1913)
This poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and beauty. It describes a thorn bush that has been ravaged by time and weather, its once-beautiful flowers now wilted and dead. The speaker reflects on how even the most beautiful things are subject to decay and destruction, and how nothing lasts forever.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1913 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Symbolism · 164 words
First lines
(For the Rev. Charles L. O'Donnell, C. S. C.)
The garden of God is a radiant place, And every flower has a holy face: Our Lady like a lily bends above the cloudy sod, But Saint Michael is the thorn on the rose-bush of God. David is the song upon God's lips, And Our Lady is the goblet that He sips: And Gabriel's the breath of His command, But Saint Michael is the sword in God's right hand.
The Ivory Tower is fair to see, And may her walls encompass me! But when the Devil comes with the thunder of his might, Saint Michael, show me how to fight!
What this Textopian page supports
The Thorn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Symbolism, Nature Poetry, Heroic Poetry
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work explores themes of divinity, saints, and spiritual warfare, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like 'thorn' and 'rose-bush' conveys deeper meanings related to faith and struggle.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of the garden and flowers connects to nature, a common theme in poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Alliteration · Enjambment · Free Verse · Romanticism · Whimsy · Fantasy