Joyce Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer was an American poet, journalist, editor, and literary critic born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on December 6, 1886. He published his first poetry collection, A Summer of Love, in 1911, followed by Trees and Other Poems in 1914. The title poem, “Trees,” became his most famous work and remains widely anthologized.

Kilmer also wrote essays and literary criticism and was known for his interest in religious and Catholic writing. During World War I, he served with the 165th Infantry Regiment, often called the “Fighting 69th.” He was killed in action in France on July 30, 1918, at the age of 31.