1 Poems by Joyce Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer, born Alfred Joyce Kilmer on December 6, 1886, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was an American poet, journalist, and editor whose life, though brief, left an indelible mark on early 20th-century American literature. Best known for his poem "Trees," Kilmer's work embodied a romanticized view of nature and faith that resonated with many readers of his time.

Kilmer was born into a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits. His father, Frederick Barnett Kilmer, was a physician and analytical chemist who later became the scientific director for Johnson & Johnson. His mother, Annie Ellen Kilmer (née Kilburn), was a writer and composer. This environment of science and arts undoubtedly influenced young Joyce's development and future interests.

Educated at Rutgers College Grammar School and later at Rutgers College (now Rutgers University), Kilmer showed early promise in his studies. He transferred to Columbia University in 1904, where he continued to excel academically and began to nurture his literary ambitions. At Columbia, Kilmer was deeply involved in the university's literary scene, serving as vice-president of the Philolexian Society, the college's literary and debate club. He graduated from Columbia in 1908.

Shortly after graduation, Kilmer married Aline Murray in 1908. Aline, herself a poet, would become a significant influence on Kilmer's life and work. The couple had five children, though their firstborn, Rose, died in infancy. This personal tragedy would later influence some of Kilmer's more somber and introspective poetry.

Kilmer's professional life began in earnest after his marriage. He worked various jobs, including as a Latin teacher, before finding his footing in the world of letters. He became a staff writer for The New York Times Review of Books and other publications, establishing himself as a respected literary critic and essayist. His work in journalism provided him with a steady income and helped hone his writing skills.

It was during this period that Kilmer began to gain recognition as a poet. His first collection, "Summer of Love," was published in 1911. While this early work received modest attention, it was his 1913 collection "Trees and Other Poems" that catapulted him to fame. The titular poem "Trees," with its simple yet evocative imagery comparing a tree to a poem "lovely as a tree," became immensely popular and remains Kilmer's most well-known work to this day.

Kilmer's poetry is characterized by its accessibility, religious themes, and romanticized view of nature. His work often reflected his deep Catholic faith, which he had embraced in 1913. Poems such as "The Twelve-Forty-Five" and "Delicatessen" showcase his ability to find spiritual significance in everyday experiences, a quality that endeared him to many readers.

As Kilmer's reputation grew, so did his involvement in literary circles. He became a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters and was active in the Poetry Society of America. His growing fame also led to lecture tours, where he shared his poetry and thoughts on literature with audiences across the country.

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a profound impact on Kilmer. Initially, he covered the war as a journalist, but in 1917, following the United States' entry into the conflict, Kilmer enlisted in the New York National Guard. He was deployed to France with the 69th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Fighting 69th."

Kilmer's wartime experiences deeply influenced his later poetry. Poems like "Rouge Bouquet," written to commemorate fallen comrades, reflect a more somber and reflective tone than his earlier work. Despite the dangers of war, Kilmer continued to write, sending poems and letters back home to be published.

Tragically, Kilmer's life was cut short on July 30, 1918, during the Second Battle of the Marne. He was killed by a sniper's bullet while scouting enemy positions. He was just 31 years old. Kilmer's death was mourned widely, and he was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government for his bravery.

In the years following his death, Kilmer's reputation as a poet underwent significant changes. While he was widely celebrated in the immediate aftermath of his passing, with numerous memorials and tributes, critical opinion of his work began to shift. Some critics viewed his poetry as overly sentimental and simplistic, particularly in light of the modernist movement that was gaining traction.

However, Kilmer's influence persisted, particularly in popular culture and among those who appreciated his accessible style and spiritual themes. His poem "Trees" has been set to music multiple times and remains a staple in many poetry anthologies. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina, dedicated in 1936, stands as a living tribute to the poet who celebrated nature's beauty.

Kilmer's legacy extends beyond his poetry. His life story - that of a promising young poet cut down in his prime during wartime - has become a poignant narrative in American literary history. His work continues to be studied not only for its literary merit but also as a reflection of early 20th-century American values and sensibilities.

In recent years, there has been renewed scholarly interest in Kilmer's work, with some critics reassessing his contributions to American poetry. While he may not be considered among the great innovators of modern poetry, his ability to connect with readers through simple, heartfelt verse is increasingly recognized as a significant achievement in its own right.

Joyce Kilmer's life and work serve as a reminder of the diverse tapestry of American poetry in the early 20th century. His journey from a New Jersey childhood to the battlefields of France, his evolution as a poet and journalist, and his unwavering faith all contribute to a complex portrait of an artist whose impact, though brief, continues to resonate in American literary consciousness.