I have no vision of gods, not of Eros with love-arrows laden, Jupiter thundering death or of Juno his white-breasted queen, Yet have I seen All of the joy of the world in the innocent heart of a maiden.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker finds divine joy in human innocence rather than traditional gods.
- In plain terms
- He does not believe in gods but sees joy in a young woman.
- What can you take from it?
- Human innocence can reflect divine joy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you see the divine?
- Is joy found in people?
Another view
Limiting divine vision to one human experience may overlook broader spirituality.
More from Joyce Kilmer
An iron hand has stilled the throats That throbbed with loud and rhythmic glee And dammed the flood of silver notes That drenched the world in melody.
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Permalink to quote #9 There is no strange and distant place That is not gladdened by His face. And every nation kneels to hail The Splendour shining through Its veil.
Permalink to quote #6
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