Trees

Joyce Kilmer's Trees

Introduction

Joyce Kilmer's poem "Trees" has long been a subject of both admiration and critique in the realm of American poetry. Published in 1913, this twelve-line verse has become one of the most widely known poems in the English language, memorable for its simple yet evocative imagery and its reverent tone towards nature. This essay aims to delve deeply into the various facets of Kilmer's work, examining its structural elements, thematic content, and cultural impact, while also considering the critical responses it has garnered over the years.

Structure and Form

"Trees" is composed of six rhyming couplets, forming a single stanza of twelve lines. The poem adheres to a strict iambic tetrameter, creating a rhythmic pattern that mirrors the steady, predictable growth of a tree. This choice of meter is not arbitrary; it lends the poem a sing-song quality that has contributed to its popularity and memorability.

The rhyme scheme (AABBCCDDEE) is simple and consistent, reflecting the straightforward nature of the poem's central message. This simplicity, however, belies the complex emotions and ideas that Kilmer manages to convey within this tight structural framework.

Imagery and Personification

One of the most striking features of "Trees" is its use of personification. Kilmer imbues the tree with human characteristics, creating a vivid and relatable image that resonates with readers. The tree is described as having a "hungry mouth" pressed against the "earth's sweet flowing breast," an image that not only personifies the tree but also feminizes the earth, creating a maternal relationship between the two.

This personification continues throughout the poem, with the tree "looking at God all day" and lifting "her leafy arms to pray." These images serve to elevate the tree from a mere object of nature to a sentient, spiritual being, capable of communion with the divine.

The imagery extends beyond personification, however. Kilmer creates a series of visual snapshots that capture the tree in various seasons and states: wearing "a nest of robins in her hair" in summer, and having snow lay upon its "bosom" in winter. These images not only create a vivid picture in the reader's mind but also serve to emphasize the tree's endurance and its intimate connection with the cycles of nature.

Thematic Analysis

At its core, "Trees" is a meditation on the beauty and divinity of nature. Kilmer positions the tree as a symbol of God's creation, superior to human artistic endeavors. This is most explicitly stated in the final couplet: "Poems are made by fools like me, / But only God can make a tree."

This sentiment reflects a Romantic view of nature as a manifestation of the divine, echoing the transcendentalist philosophies of writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. The poem suggests that true beauty and perfection can only be found in nature, not in human creations.

Furthermore, the poem explores themes of humility and the limitations of human creativity. By referring to poets (including himself) as "fools," Kilmer acknowledges the inadequacy of human art in comparison to the natural world. This self-deprecating tone serves to further elevate the status of the tree and, by extension, all of nature.

The religious undertones of the poem are unmistakable. The tree is portrayed as a devout being, in constant communion with God. This anthropomorphization of the tree serves to blur the lines between the natural and the divine, suggesting that nature itself is a form of worship.

Literary Devices and Technique

Kilmer employs several literary devices to enhance the poem's impact. The use of alliteration, such as "hungry mouth" and "sweet flowing," adds to the musicality of the verse. The repetition of "A tree" at the beginning of multiple lines (anaphora) creates a rhythmic emphasis that underscores the poem's central focus.

The poem also makes use of synecdoche, with parts of the tree (mouth, arms, hair, bosom) standing in for the whole. This technique allows Kilmer to create a more intimate and relatable image of the tree, making it easier for readers to connect emotionally with the subject.

The juxtaposition of the tree's permanence with the changing seasons ("Summer wear," "snow has lain") serves to emphasize the tree's enduring nature and its harmony with the natural world.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

"Trees" has had a polarizing effect on critics and readers alike. While it has been praised for its simplicity and emotional resonance, it has also been criticized for what some perceive as overly sentimental and simplistic language.

Poet and critic Louis Untermeyer famously dismissed the poem as "the worst poem ever popular in America." Others have defended it, arguing that its apparent simplicity belies a deeper complexity and that its enduring popularity is testament to its emotional power.

Regardless of critical opinion, the poem's cultural impact is undeniable. It has been widely anthologized, set to music, and frequently quoted. Its opening lines have become part of the American cultural lexicon, often parodied or alluded to in various contexts.

The poem's popularity may be attributed in part to its accessibility. Its simple language and clear imagery make it appealing to a wide audience, including children, which has contributed to its inclusion in many school curricula.

Contextual Considerations

To fully appreciate "Trees," it's important to consider the context in which it was written. Kilmer, a devout Catholic, wrote the poem at a time when America was becoming increasingly urbanized and industrialized. In this light, the poem can be seen as a call to reconnect with nature and, by extension, with God.

Moreover, the poem's composition predates Kilmer's experiences in World War I, where he would ultimately lose his life. The innocence and reverence expressed in "Trees" stand in stark contrast to the brutality and disillusionment that would characterize much of the poetry written in the wake of the Great War.

Conclusion

Joyce Kilmer's "Trees" remains a contentious piece in the canon of American poetry. Its simple structure and language belie a complex interplay of themes including nature, divinity, human creativity, and humility. While it has been criticized for its sentimentality, its enduring popularity suggests that it continues to resonate with readers more than a century after its publication.

The poem's strength lies in its ability to convey profound ideas through accessible imagery and language. By personifying the tree and imbuing it with spiritual significance, Kilmer creates a powerful symbol that speaks to the beauty of the natural world and humanity's place within it.

Whether viewed as a naive expression of religious sentiment or a nuanced exploration of the relationship between human creativity and divine creation, "Trees" remains a significant work that continues to provoke discussion and analysis. Its lasting impact on American culture and its ability to elicit strong reactions from readers and critics alike cement its place as a worthy subject of ongoing literary study and debate.