To J. B. Y by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
The poem is a tribute to the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations. It describes a forest filled with trees that are cut down by humans, leaving only stumps behind. The speaker expresses sadness and regret over the loss of these trees, which were once full of life and vitality.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 115 words
First lines
Bitter and selfish sorrow, poverty, strife and ruth, Fear of the dreadful morrow, -- these took away our youth. Ængus is bending o'er us -- we are too old to see, Too old to hear before us moon-drenchèd songs of Shee.
Dreamer of dreams and lover, young as are love and dreams, Show us the Shee that hover over the silver streams, Give us the song and story, make us to live anew, Bathed in your youthful glory let us be young like you.
What this Textopian page supports
To J. B. Y 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Imagism, Symbolism
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To J. B. Y by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To J. B. Y?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, dreams, and a longing for youth align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The tone reflects sorrow and loss, typical of elegiac poetry.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experiences are hallmarks of Imagist poetry.
Tags
Poem · Sonnet · Nature · Love · Romance · Literary · Classic · American · 19th Century · Free Verse · Symbolic · Imagery