Joyce Kilmer and Trees

Born Alfred Joyce Kilmer in 1886, he was an American writer and poet from New Jersey. Trees, which is said to be one of his better known poems, is just one of many that Kilmer wrote.

My first recollection of this poem was, I confess, in the 1978 Richard Donner movie; Superman starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman to mention just a few.

The scene is when Superman creates his Fortress of Solitude and finds his crystal mixing desk. He starts trying the different crystals and comes across one where this very stiff Kryptonian starts reciting the poem.

I now know why Superman pulls the plug on him so soon cos he was shit.

I have to say I’m very lucky that where I live, my house is situated on the edge of a mini forest. I get to see the seasons in the trees, I get to hear the birds in the tress, I de-stress siting in front of the trees and this poem…

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

 

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the 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 rain.

 

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

 

Main image from Pixabay, modified by JRFC