“Poets” by Joyce Kilmer
Published in
Feb 21, 2021
Dear Friends,
I recently posted one of Joyce Kilmer’s most famous poems “Trees.” Shortly thereafter, I came across one of his least famous poems. The poem is called “Poets” and is not the same as his poem “Old Poets.” It is rather difficult both to read and to find online. But it is a worthy poem to read. Here you go:
Vain is the chiming of forgotten bells
That the wind sways above a ruined shrine.
Vainer his voice in whom no longer dwells
Hunger that craves immortal Bread and Wine.
Light songs we breathe that perish with our breath
Out of our lips that have not kissed the rod.
They shall not live who have not tasted death
They only sing who are struck dumb by God.
