A Poem As Lovely As a Tree

Born on December 6, 1886, Joyce Kilmer is known to millions through the first two lines of his popular poem, "Trees," first published in 1913.

Enjoy Kilmer's poem along with regal trees from our collection by artist Louis Lozowick.

Trees
(For Mrs. Henry Mills Alden)

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet 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 ultimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Source: Hazel Felleman, ed. The Best Loved Poems of the American People (New York, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1936).

Pictured: Louis Lozowick, 1892 Russia–1973 USA, Old Willows, 1940, color lithograph, image: 8 15/16 x 11 1/2 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Adele Lozowick.