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As Winds That Blow Against A Star

By Joyce Kilmer

(For Aline)

Now by what whim of wanton chance
Do radiant eyes know sombre days?
And feet that shod in light should dance
Walk weary and laborious ways?

But rays from Heaven, white and whole,
May penetrate the gloom of earth;
And tears but nourish, in your soul,
The glory of celestial mirth. 


The darts of toil and sorrow, sent
Against your peaceful beauty, are
As foolish and as impotent
As winds that blow against a star.

Joyce Kilmer, "As Winds That Blow Against A Star" from Trees and Other Poems (New York: George H. Doran Company, 1914). Public domain.

Poet Bio

Black and white portrait of American poet Joyce Kilmer.

Journalist and poet Joyce Kilmer was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Known for poetry that celebrated the common beauty of the natural world as well as his religious faith, he was killed after enlisting in the United States Army during World War I. Kilmer was awarded by the French the prestigious Croix de Guerre (War Cross) for his bravery. His strong religious faith and dedication to the natural beauty of the world influences much of his work.

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