Vision by Joyce Kilmer (1918)
The poem explores the idea that a person's vision of life and their place in it can be shaped by their experiences and perceptions. It describes how one's vision can be influenced by external factors, such as societal expectations and cultural norms, but also by internal factors, such as personal values and beliefs. The speaker reflects on how their own vision has been shaped by their experiences, including the loss of innocence and the realization that life is not always what it seems. Throughout the poem, there are themes of disillusionment, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 115 words
First lines
(For Aline)
Homer, they tell us, was blind and could not see the beautiful faces Looking up into his own and reflecting the joy of his dream, Yet did he seem Gifted with eyes that could follow the gods to their holiest places.
I have no vision of gods, not of Eros with love-arrows laden, Jupiter thundering death or of Juno his white-breasted queen, Yet have I seen All of the joy of the world in the innocent heart of a maiden.
What this Textopian page supports
Vision 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, Imagism, Philosophical Poetry, Nature Poetry
- Length: 115 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Vision by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Vision?
- How does this poem by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Processional by Madison Cawein
- The Idyll Of The Standing Stone by Madison Cawein
- School Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- I Stood Tiptoe Upon A Little Hill by John Keats
- The Sermon Of The Rose by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Lily Of Yorrow Later Poems by Henry Van Dyke
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs a personal and emotional tone, characteristic of lyric poetry, focusing on individual feelings and reflections.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and emotion.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on specific moments and feelings reflect the principles of Imagism, which seeks clarity and precision in expression.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of vision and perception suggests deeper philosophical inquiries about understanding and existence.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagination · Symbolism · Metaphor · Allegory · Philosophy · Existentialism · Spirituality · Mysticism · Visionary · Dreamlike