Transfiguration by Joyce Kilmer
The poem explores the idea of transformation and renewal through nature imagery. It describes a process where something old and worn out is transformed into something new and vibrant. The speaker reflects on how this transformation can be applied to human life, suggesting that people too can undergo a similar change, shedding their old selves and emerging anew.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Religious Poetry · 265 words
First lines
If it should be my task, I being God, From whirling atoms to evolve your mate, With hands omnipotent I should create A great-souled hero, with the starlight shod. The subject worlds should tremble at his nod And all the angel host upon him wait Yet he should leave his pomp and splendid state And kneel to kiss the ground whereon you trod.
But God, who like a little child is wise, Made me, a common thing of earthly clay; Then bade me go and see within your eyes The flame of love that burns more bright than day, And as I looked I knew with wild surprise I was transformed -- your heart in my heart lay.
What this Textopian page supports
Transfiguration 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, Romantic Poetry, Religious Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 265 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Transfiguration by Joyce Kilmer
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and transformation are central, aligning with the romantic genre.
- Religious Poetry — The poem references God and explores spiritual themes, fitting the religious genre.
- Imagist Poetry — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experience reflect imagist characteristics.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Folklore · Cosmology · Philosophy