Is tears of joy a poetic device?

Answer 1

It's a thing called Juxtaposition, which is where two contrasting things are placed next to each other in a sentence.

'Tears' and 'joy' have connotations of two different emotions.

Answer 2

No. The concept of joy and the object of tears are not opposites. One can be joyous while they have tears.

Answer 3

Tears of joy is not a formal poetic device, but it can be used in poetry as a symbol or image to convey deep emotion or express a sense of overwhelming happiness.