Beautiful Quote by Joyce Kilmer
“At present, I am a poet trying to be a soldier. To tell the truth, I am not interested in writing nowadays, except in so far as writing is the expression of something beautiful ... The only sort of book I care to write about the war is the sort people will read after the war is over - a century after it is over.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished reflections, early 20th century
He sees himself torn between poetry and war, wanting to write lasting works that survive beyond the conflict.
In simple terms: Poet feels conflicted between art and battle.
Key Takeaway
Create timeless art despite turmoil.
Themes
war
poetry
legacy
conflict
purpose
Mood
thoughtful
somber
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing about war
- teaching history
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
memory
historical narrative
artistic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can art preserve truth after war?
- What responsibilities do artists have in conflict?
A Different Perspective
War may eclipse artistic expression.
![“The vastness, the immensity, the awfulness of what I saw as I kept moving along with the front line engagements was utterly beyond my powers of comprehension, let alone my ability to describe or scenarioize [sic]. . . . I could not write of the war, of the agonies, of the bravery of our boys or…” quote by Cari Beauchamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ea/cari-beauchamp-30102_humor_the-vastness-the-immensity-the-awfulness_2897307.jpg)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
