'The Twelve-Forty-Five' by Joyce Kilmer
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(For Edward J. Wheeler)
Within the Jersey City shed
The engine coughs and shakes its head,
The smoke, a plume of red and white,
Waves madly in the face of night.
And now the grave incurious stars
Gleam on the groaning hurrying cars.
Against the kind and awful reign
Of darkness, this our angry train,
A noisy little rebel, pouts
Its brief defiance, flames and shouts --
And passes on, and leaves no trace.
For darkness holds its ancient place,
Serene and absolute, the king
Unchanged, of every living thing.
The houses lie obscure and still
In Rutherford and Carlton Hill.
Our lamps intensify the dark
Of slumbering Passaic Park.
And quiet holds the weary feet
That daily tramp through Prospect Street.
What though we clang and clank and roar
Through all Passaic's streets? No door
Will open, not an eye will see
Who this loud vagabond may be.
Upon my crimson cushioned seat,
In manufactured light and heat,
I feel unnatural and mean.
Outside the towns are cool and clean;
Curtained awhile from sound and sight
They take God's gracious gift of night.
The stars are watchful over them.
On Clifton as on Bethlehem
The angels, leaning down the sky,
Shed peace and gentle dreams. And I --
I ride, I blasphemously ride
Through all the silent countryside.
The engine's shriek, the headlight's glare,
Pollute the still nocturnal air.
The cottages of Lake View sigh
And sleeping, frown as we pass by.
Why, even strident Paterson
Rests quietly as any nun.
Her foolish warring children keep
The grateful armistice of sleep.
For what tremendous errand's sake
Are we so blatantly awake?
What precious secret is our freight?
What king must be abroad so late?
Perhaps Death roams the hills to-night
And we rush forth to give him fight.
Or else, perhaps, we speed his way
To some remote unthinking prey.
Perhaps a woman writhes in pain
And listens -- listens for the train!
The train, that like an angel sings,
The train, with healing on its wings.
Now "Hawthorne!" the conductor cries.
My neighbor starts and rubs his eyes.
He hurries yawning through the car
And steps out where the houses are.
This is the reason of our quest!
Not wantonly we break the rest
Of town and village, nor do we
Lightly profane night's sanctity.
What Love commands the train fulfills,
And beautiful upon the hills
Are these our feet of burnished steel.
Subtly and certainly I feel
That Glen Rock welcomes us to her
And silent Ridgewood seems to stir
And smile, because she knows the train
Has brought her children back again.
We carry people home -- and so
God speeds us, wheresoe'er we go.
Hohokus, Waldwick, Allendale
Lift sleepy heads to give us hail.
In Ramsey, Mahwah, Suffern stand
Houses that wistfully demand
A father -- son -- some human thing
That this, the midnight train, may bring.
The trains that travel in the day
They hurry folks to work or play.
The midnight train is slow and old
But of it let this thing be told,
To its high honor be it said
It carries people home to bed.
My cottage lamp shines white and clear.
God bless the train that brought me here.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Twelve-Forty-Five by Joyce Kilmer: A Celebration of Life and Death
Joyce Kilmer's poem "The Twelve-Forty-Five" is a hauntingly beautiful work that captures the essence of life and death in its brief but powerful lines. The poem is a celebration of the cyclical nature of existence, and the inevitability of both birth and death. With its evocative imagery and lyrical language, "The Twelve-Forty-Five" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
A Celebration of Life
The poem begins with a description of the "little town" that serves as its setting. Kilmer's language is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a place that is both "quiet" and "cozy." The town is a symbol of life itself, and Kilmer's description of it is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of existence.
As the poem progresses, Kilmer's language becomes more and more lyrical. He describes the "whispering trees" and the "sighing of the wind" in a way that is both ethereal and deeply moving. The natural world is a source of comfort and inspiration for the speaker, and Kilmer's use of language conveys this sense of wonder and awe.
The Inevitability of Death
Despite its celebration of life, "The Twelve-Forty-Five" is ultimately a meditation on the inevitability of death. Kilmer's language becomes darker and more ominous as the poem progresses, as the speaker contemplates the "shadowy corner" where death lurks.
The contrast between the beauty of life and the inevitability of death is a recurring theme throughout the poem. Kilmer's language is full of contrasts and contradictions, as he juxtaposes images of light and darkness, joy and sorrow, and life and death.
A Cycle of Birth and Death
Throughout "The Twelve-Forty-Five," Kilmer emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence. Birth and death are part of a natural cycle, and the speaker of the poem seems to take comfort in this fact. Even as he contemplates the inevitability of his own death, he celebrates the birth of a new day and the renewal of life.
Kilmer's use of language is particularly effective in conveying this sense of cyclical renewal. He describes the "singing birds" and the "smiling flowers" that signal the arrival of a new day, and his language is full of images of growth and renewal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joyce Kilmer's poem "The Twelve-Forty-Five" is a celebration of life and death, a meditation on the cyclical nature of existence, and a work of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Through his use of vivid language and powerful imagery, Kilmer captures the beauty and wonder of life, even as he acknowledges the inevitability of death. "The Twelve-Forty-Five" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Twelve-Forty-Five is a classic poem written by Joyce Kilmer, an American poet and journalist who lived from 1886 to 1918. This poem is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the beauty of nature and the passage of time. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of The Twelve-Forty-Five, and examine why it has become such a beloved and enduring piece of poetry.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the time of day as "twelve-forty-five", a specific and precise moment in time. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is focused on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker then goes on to describe the scene around them, with "the quiet room" and "the ticking clock" creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. The use of the word "quiet" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of peace and calm, but also a sense of emptiness and loneliness.
The first stanza of the poem sets up the central theme of the passing of time, with the speaker describing the "swift years" that have gone by. The use of the word "swift" is significant, as it suggests that time is moving quickly and that life is passing by in a blur. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of nature, with the "green trees" and "blue hills" creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. This contrast between the passing of time and the beauty of nature is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and is one of the reasons why it has become such a beloved piece of poetry.
The second stanza of the poem is focused on the idea of mortality, with the speaker describing the "dying day" and the "fading light". This creates a sense of sadness and melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and the passing of all things. The use of the word "fading" is particularly effective, as it suggests a gradual and gentle decline, rather than a sudden and violent end.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker reflects on the beauty of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The use of the word "lovely" to describe the world around them is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of nature. The speaker then goes on to describe the importance of love and friendship, with the "dear ones" in their life providing comfort and support. This creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, and reinforces the idea that life is precious and should be cherished.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and poignant conclusion, with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The use of the word "gone" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of finality and loss. However, the speaker also suggests that there is hope and beauty in the world, with the "new day" and the "new year" offering the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
In terms of structure, The Twelve-Forty-Five is a relatively simple poem, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is also simple, with an ABAB pattern throughout. However, the simplicity of the structure and rhyme scheme is part of what makes the poem so effective, as it allows the language and imagery to take center stage.
Speaking of language and imagery, The Twelve-Forty-Five is a masterclass in poetic language. The use of alliteration and assonance throughout the poem creates a sense of musicality and rhythm, with the repetition of certain sounds adding to the overall effect. For example, the repetition of the "s" sound in "swift years" and "silent stars" creates a sense of movement and fluidity, while the repetition of the "l" sound in "lovely" and "dear ones" creates a sense of warmth and intimacy.
The imagery in the poem is also incredibly powerful, with the natural world providing a rich source of inspiration. The use of color throughout the poem is particularly effective, with the "green trees" and "blue hills" creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. The use of light and darkness is also significant, with the "fading light" and the "silent stars" creating a sense of melancholy and loss.
In conclusion, The Twelve-Forty-Five is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the passing of time and the beauty of nature. The poem is a masterclass in poetic language and imagery, with the simplicity of the structure and rhyme scheme allowing the language and imagery to take center stage. The themes of mortality, love, and renewal are universal and timeless, and the poem continues to resonate with readers today. Joyce Kilmer may have passed away over a century ago, but The Twelve-Forty-Five is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit.
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