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The poem
In that kingdom no one cries.
No one doubts, for no one lies.
No son ever dreads his mother,
Nor no brother envies brother.
Families, there like nearby trees
Spring and shelter, and the bees
Groan among the cloudy flowers;
Angels, each a soul devours.
There continually the smile
Of the heart that knows no guile.
There, untroubled, people greet,
Death like an old friend in the street.
The Analysis
"On the Word Kingdom" by James Agee is a short and poignant poem that presents a vision of an idealized kingdom where peace, harmony, and purity reign.
The poem begins by describing a kingdom where no one cries or doubts, and where lying is nonexistent. This idealized image suggests a place of perfect honesty and trust, where relationships are pure and free from conflict or deception.
The next two lines emphasize the absence of negative emotions such as dread and envy. In this kingdom, family relationships are described as being like nearby trees, providing spring and shelter. This imagery suggests a sense of closeness and support within families.
The following lines introduce a contrast between the peacefulness of the kingdom and the natural world, as bees groan among the cloudy flowers. This image, while slightly jarring, serves to highlight the idyllic nature of the kingdom by juxtaposing it with the ordinary world.
The poem concludes with a description of angels devouring souls, which can be interpreted in several ways. It could be seen as a metaphor for spiritual transformation or as a representation of the soul being taken into the afterlife.
Overall, "On the Word Kingdom" presents a vision of a perfect world where peace, honesty, and harmony prevail. Through its simple yet evocative imagery, the poem invites readers to contemplate the possibility of such a kingdom and the nature of perfection itself.
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