A Poem Lovely as a Tree
From Sarah Elzas
| 00:04:34
Producers: Sarah Elzas
"I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree" is the first line of Joyce Kilmer's most famous poem, "Trees". It is read at arbor day celebrations; it has been set to music several times; and it is taught in elementary schools around the country. It is loved, but also mocked as a simplistic poem, lacking in substance--there is even an annual bad poetry contest named after him at Columbia University.
This piece explores 'Trees' through readings, music and interviews with Kilmer's grandson and others.
For a profile of Kilmer, please see "Joyce Kilmer and Trees", also on PRX: www.prx.org/pieces/8584
2 Comments
|
Review of A Poem Lovely as a TreeLively little left-handed hommage to the famous poem - blossoming out with bright archival clips - the last interviewee, a poet, says it aptly - Joyce Kilmer has lodged that sliver in there pretty deep. Is there a National Tree Day? Well, declare one! |
Broadcast History
This piece was originally produced for Weekend America and aired the weekend of 12/3/2005.
Transcript
SUGGESTED HOST INTRO: The poet Joyce Kilmer was born in 1886, and lived most of his short life in New Jersey. He was killed in 1918 in France, in the second battle of the Marne. Before he enlisted in the army, he was on staff at the New York Times, and as a Catholic convert, wrote religious inspired poetry. He wrote his most famous poem, Trees in 1913. Independent producer Sarah Elzas [EL-zis] looked into the poem that has been loved and mocked over the years.
OUTRO: Please mention that this piece originally aired on Weekend America. [The piece ends with producer credit, but it can be cut off]
-----------------------------------------------------------
SCHWARTZ: In deep thought, I return from the Laundromat of my soul/ Where I pick up the blazer of my spirit and the khakis of my heart/ And the afghan of despair / I realize: / I hardly knew my soul at all. / And he is Korean....
Read the full transcript
Musical Works
- Trees by Oscar Rasbach performed by Paul Robeson with the New Mayfair Orchestra (from The Essential Paul Robeson/Asv Living Era)
- Trees by Oscar Rasbach performed by Dave Apollon (from The Man with the Mandolin/Acoustic Disc)
Average Rating
Bookmark & Share
Additional Information
- Produced: Dec 01, 2005
- Added to PRX: Jan 22, 2006
- This piece is in English
Mark Welch
Posted on April 07, 2006 at 06:19 AM | Permalink
Review of A Poem Lovely as a Tree
Sarah Elzas'whimsical exploration of Joyce Kilmer's "Trees" is perfect for Arbor Day. The montage of readings, an interview with Kilmer's grandson and especially Alfalfa's musical rendition at the conclusion result in a well-crafted and engaging feature.