'Gates and Doors' by Joyce Kilmer
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(For Richardson Little Wright)
There was a gentle hostler
(And blessed be his name!)
He opened up the stable
The night Our Lady came.
Our Lady and Saint Joseph,
He gave them food and bed,
And Jesus Christ has given him
A glory round his head.
So let the gate swing open
However poor the yard,
Lest weary people visit you
And find their passage barred;
Unlatch the door at midnight
And let your lantern's glow
Shine out to guide the traveler's feet
To you across the snow.
There was a courteous hostler
(He is in Heaven to-night)
He held Our Lady's bridle
And helped her to alight;
He spread clean straw before her
Whereon she might lie down,
And Jesus Christ has given him
An everlasting crown.
Unlock the door this evening
And let your gate swing wide,
Let all who ask for shelter
Come speedily inside.
What if your yard be narrow?
What if your house be small?
There is a Guest is coming
Will glorify it all.
There was a joyous hostler
Who knelt on Christmas morn
Beside the radiant manger
Wherein his Lord was born.
His heart was full of laughter,
His soul was full of bliss
When Jesus, on His Mother's lap,
Gave him His hand to kiss.
Unbar your heart this evening
And keep no stranger out,
Take from your soul's great portal
The barrier of doubt.
To humble folk and weary
Give hearty welcoming,
Your breast shall be to-morrow
The cradle of a King.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Gates and Doors: An Exploration of Joyce Kilmer's Classic Poem
Joyce Kilmer's poem "Gates and Doors" is a potent and evocative exploration of the power of language and the human experience. Through the metaphor of a gate and a door, Kilmer weaves a complex tapestry of emotions, desires, and fears that resonate with readers to this day. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and language of "Gates and Doors" and examine how Kilmer's masterful use of poetic techniques creates a work of enduring beauty and relevance.
Background and Context
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Joyce Kilmer was an American poet and journalist who lived from 1886 to 1918. He is best known for his poem "Trees," which has become a classic of American literature. Kilmer's poetry is often characterized by its simplicity, sincerity, and religious themes. He was a devout Catholic and wrote frequently about his faith.
"Gates and Doors" was written in 1914, four years before Kilmer's death in World War I. The poem was included in Kilmer's second book of poetry, "Main Street and Other Poems." Like much of Kilmer's poetry, "Gates and Doors" reflects his Catholic faith and his belief in the power of language to connect us to the divine.
Analysis
Structure and Form
"Gates and Doors" is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy in the 13th century. Sonnets traditionally consist of 14 lines and follow a strict rhyme scheme and meter. Kilmer's sonnet follows this pattern, with each line consisting of 10 syllables and the rhyme scheme following the pattern ABBA ABBA CDC DCD.
The sonnet structure is significant because it creates a sense of order and symmetry that contrasts with the chaotic emotions and desires expressed in the poem. The strict rhyme scheme and meter create a sense of containment, as if the poem is a tightly sealed box that holds within it a powerful and explosive force.
Themes and Symbolism
The central theme of "Gates and Doors" is the power of language to connect us to the divine. Kilmer uses the metaphor of a gate and a door to represent the different ways in which we can approach the mystery of existence. The gate represents the rational mind, which seeks to understand the world through reason and logic. The door represents the heart, which seeks to experience the world through emotion and intuition.
The gate and the door are also symbolic of the divide between the physical and the spiritual, the finite and the infinite. The gate represents the physical world, which we can understand and control through science and technology. The door represents the spiritual world, which is beyond our understanding and control.
Kilmer's use of religious imagery throughout the poem reinforces this theme. He refers to "the cross" and "the holy rood," which are symbols of Christianity. He also uses the phrase "God's grace," which suggests that the power of language to connect us to the divine is a gift from God.
Language and Imagery
Kilmer's use of language in "Gates and Doors" is simple and direct, which is characteristic of his poetry. However, the simplicity of the language belies the complexity of the emotions and ideas expressed in the poem. Kilmer uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a rich tapestry of images and emotions that resonate with readers.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the line "The gate is strong, but steel and stone / Are only things that men have made." This line is significant because it suggests that the rational mind, which is represented by the gate, is limited by the physical world. No matter how strong and secure the gate may be, it is still a product of human invention and cannot contain the infinite.
Kilmer also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis in the poem. The phrase "Gates and doors" is repeated throughout the poem, which creates a sense of unity and coherence. The repetition also underscores the central theme of the poem, which is the contrast between the gate and the door.
Interpretation and Significance
"Gates and Doors" is a powerful and evocative exploration of the human experience and the power of language to connect us to the divine. The poem's central theme, the contrast between the rational mind and the emotional heart, is one that resonates with readers of all faiths and backgrounds.
Kilmer's use of religious imagery and symbolism in the poem may make it less accessible to readers who are not familiar with Christian theology. However, the poem's central message, that language has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves, is universal and timeless.
In the end, "Gates and Doors" is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend time and place. Kilmer's simple yet profound language, his use of imagery and symbolism, and his masterful handling of the sonnet form all contribute to a work of enduring beauty and relevance.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Gates and Doors: A Masterpiece by Joyce Kilmer
Joyce Kilmer, an American poet, journalist, and literary critic, is known for his exceptional poetry that reflects his deep love for nature and his Catholic faith. Among his many works, "Poetry Gates and Doors" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its transformative power.
In this poem, Kilmer compares poetry to gates and doors that lead to a world of imagination and beauty. He believes that poetry has the power to transport us to a different realm, where we can experience the sublime and the divine. Kilmer's use of vivid imagery and metaphors makes this poem a timeless piece of art that continues to inspire readers even today.
The poem begins with the lines, "There is the gate of Heaven, / And there is the door of Hell." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Kilmer explores the idea of gates and doors as symbols of different experiences. He believes that poetry can lead us to both heaven and hell, depending on how we approach it. If we read poetry with an open mind and a pure heart, it can lead us to a world of beauty and wonder. But if we approach it with cynicism and skepticism, it can lead us to a world of darkness and despair.
Kilmer goes on to describe the different types of gates and doors that poetry can open for us. He talks about the "gate of dreams," which leads us to a world of imagination and fantasy. He believes that poetry has the power to make us dream and imagine things that we never thought possible. Through poetry, we can escape the mundane and enter a world of magic and wonder.
Kilmer also talks about the "door of tears," which leads us to a world of emotions and feelings. He believes that poetry has the power to make us feel deeply and connect with our innermost selves. Through poetry, we can experience the full range of human emotions, from joy and love to sadness and grief.
The poem also explores the idea of poetry as a gateway to the divine. Kilmer talks about the "gate of prayer," which leads us to a world of spirituality and faith. He believes that poetry can help us connect with God and experience the divine in a way that is beyond words. Through poetry, we can express our deepest longings and desires and find solace in the presence of the divine.
Kilmer's use of metaphors and imagery is particularly striking in this poem. He compares poetry to "the key of love and death," suggesting that poetry has the power to unlock the mysteries of life and death. He also talks about poetry as a "golden key," suggesting that it has the power to unlock the treasures of the universe.
The poem ends with the lines, "And there is the gate of Paradise, / And there is the door of Hell." These lines bring the poem full circle, as Kilmer reminds us that poetry can lead us to both heaven and hell, depending on how we approach it. He suggests that poetry is a powerful tool that can transform our lives and lead us to a world of beauty and wonder, but it is up to us to choose the path we take.
In conclusion, "Poetry Gates and Doors" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its transformative power. Kilmer's use of vivid imagery and metaphors makes this poem a timeless piece of art that continues to inspire readers even today. Through this poem, Kilmer reminds us that poetry has the power to transport us to a different realm, where we can experience the sublime and the divine. It is up to us to approach poetry with an open mind and a pure heart, so that we can unlock the gates and doors that lead to a world of beauty and wonder.
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