As Beautiful as A Tree
Joyce Kilmer was an American poet born on December 6, 1886. He was also a journalist, editor, lecturer, and soldier. Kilmer is best known for his poem “Trees” – one of the most popular and frequently quoted poems in American literature. “Trees” expresses his admiration and reverence for nature and God’s creations:
“I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree;
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest against sweet earth’s flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day, and lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain; who intimately lives with the rain.
Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”
How can the blessings of nature, gifted by our Creator, ever be more beautifully expressed?
Kilmer studied journalism and literature at Rutgers College and Columbia University. In 1908, he married Aline Murray, a fellow poet and writer, and they had five children together.
He began his career as a teacher, a dictionary editor, and a freelance writer for various publications. His strong faith was influenced by the illness of his daughter Rose, who was paralyzed by polio. He became a devout Catholic and a passionate advocate for peace and social justice.
Joyce Kilmer wrote many essays, reviews, biographies, and religious articles for various magazines and newspapers. He also gave lectures and readings across the country. He was friends with other notable writers and artists including Robert Frost, Ezra Pound, and G. K. Chesterton.
He was a patriotic and idealistic man who felt a strong sense of duty to serve his country. After the United States entered World War I, Kilmer joined the 69th Infantry Regiment, the “Fighting 69th” composed mostly of Irish-American soldiers. He served as a sergeant and a statistician in France, and wrote poems and letters from the front lines, describing the horrors and heroism of war. He also edited a trench newspaper called The Stars and Stripes – still published to this day.
Kilmer was killed in action on July 30, 1918 in France – shot by a German sniper while scouting ahead of his unit. He was only 31 years old. He was buried in the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government for his bravery.
Kilmer’s legacy and influence on the poets and authors who followed him lives on through his poetry and his influence on other writers and artists. His poem “Trees” has been set to music by several composers. His name has been given to many schools, parks, streets, forests, memorials, and awards. His life story has been adapted into films, plays, and books. His works have been translated into many languages and have inspired generations of readers – and writers such as ourselves.
Throughout our books, beginning with “Adam in Taoland”, we recreate the beauty of nature in fantasy fiction. We let Joyce Kilmer’s words inspire us when describing the beauty of the fantasy worlds Adam encounters. Let each of us enjoy, find comfort, and discover awe in God’s creations – as we weather the storms and challenges of our much troubled world.
