Joyce Kilmer : poems, essays and letters in two volumes. Volume 2, prose works

This volume gathers the prose of a poet who became a soldier, offering a window into the mind of a man who blended lyric sensitivity with the harsh realities of the Great War. His essays wander from reflections on faith and the Irish landscape to vivid recollections of front‑line life, all rendered in a plain style that carries the same rhythm found in his poetry. Listeners will encounter letters home, travel sketches, and thoughtful pieces that reveal a deep love of nature, devotion to his heritage, and an earnest quest for meaning amid turmoil.

The opening essay transports us to a snow‑laden French village in 1918, where a group of weary American troops find shelter in a modest house run by a widowed Madame. Kilmer paints the scene with gentle humor and compassion, describing the crackling fire, the children’s curious eyes, and the camaraderie that bridges language barriers. His narrative captures both the fragility of civilian life and the resilient spirit of soldiers, inviting the audience to share moments of quiet humanity that shine through the fog of war.