'Old Poets' Summary

“Old Poets” is a humorous and lighthearted poem by Joyce Kilmer, dedicated to his friend and editor, Robert Holliday. The poem takes a playful approach to examining various poets of the past, offering witty and insightful observations about their styles and works. Kilmer uses a conversational tone and clever rhymes to critique the poets in a humorous way, making the reader chuckle at his observations. The poem is a testament to Kilmer's ability to find humor in literature and his own unique voice as a poet. Throughout the poem, Kilmer playfully critiques the styles of various poets, such as Robert Browning, Tennyson, Shakespeare, and Walt Whitman, while also showing respect for their work and the craft of poetry itself. Kilmer's gentle and affectionate tone makes it clear that his aim is not to denigrate these poets but to celebrate their unique contributions to the literary world. The poem also offers a window into Kilmer's own literary sensibilities and his appreciation for the nuances of language and style.