The Urban Chanticleer
This poem is a lyrical and nostalgic tribute to the rural South of the early 20th century. It portrays a serene landscape where nature and humanity coexist in harmony. The speaker reflects on the passing of time, the changing seasons, and the decline of traditional ways of life. The poem's tone is melancholic yet peaceful, evoking a sense of longing for a bygone era.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1916 · Genre: Essay, Satire, Philosophical · 2,082 words
First lines
If the rooster selected tree-tops for his roosting, crowed mournfully at the moon, and were a wild, unfriendly bird, every man's hand would be against him. But we forgive him his ugliness and conceit, not only because he is a dutiful citizen of the barnyard, but also because now, as in the days of the noble Horatio, he obligingly acts as "trumpet to the morn. " On account of this romantic and sometimes useful custom, he wears a sentimental halo. M. Rostand has made him the hero of a drama. When will some wise playwright celebrate his urban prototype, the alarm clock?
What this Textopian page supports
The Urban Chanticleer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Essay, Satire, Philosophical, Literary Non-fiction, Urban Literature
- Length: 2,082 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- Nurslings Of The Sky by Mary Austin
- Martin by Joyce Kilmer
- When Spirits Speak Of Life by Maxwell Bodenheim
- Riley by Madison Cawein
- Andy The Night Watch by Edgar Lee Masters
Genres
- Essay — The work presents a reflective and analytical exploration of the alarm clock as a symbol of urban life and personal routine.
- Satire — It employs humor and irony to critique societal norms and the relationship between individuals and their mechanical devices.
- Philosophical — The text delves into themes of existence, consciousness, and the human experience in relation to everyday objects.
- Literary Non-fiction — It combines factual observations with personal insights, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Urban · Folklore · Mythology · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Alliteration · Rhythm · Free Verse · American Literature