The Wind by Amy Lowell is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and ferocity of nature. The poem is filled with vivid images that convey the movement, sound, and impact of the wind.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the wind as a powerful force that “slams the doors / of the house, and breaks the shutters.” The wind is not only strong but also relentless, as it “pummels the orchard” and “whips the trees.” The imagery in these lines is vivid and intense, giving the reader a sense of the wind’s power and the havoc it can wreak.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the wind in more poetic terms, using imagery that is both beautiful and terrifying. The wind is compared to a “great black piano” that plays a wild and chaotic tune, and to a “lion” that roars and prowls. These comparisons capture the wild and untamed nature of the wind, as well as its ability to evoke powerful emotions in those who experience it.

Despite its ferocity, however, the wind is also depicted as a source of life and renewal. The speaker notes that the wind “cleans and cleanses” and “makes the leaves shine.” This suggests that even though the wind can be destructive, it also has a positive and regenerative effect on the natural world.

“The Way by Amy Lowell” is a poem that describes a journey through a forest. The poem takes the reader on a vivid and sensory journey through the woods, as the speaker reflects on the beauty and mystery of nature.

The poem begins with a description of the woods themselves, as the speaker notes how they seem to change as the journey progresses:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Here, the speaker sets the tone for the poem, acknowledging the beauty of the forest, but also the need to press on with the journey. As the speaker moves through the woods, she notes the various sights and sounds around her. She describes the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the smell of pine needles.

As the poem continues, the speaker reflects on the nature of the journey itself, noting that it is not simply a physical journey, but a journey of the mind and spirit as well:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Here, the repetition of the final two lines emphasizes the speaker’s sense of determination and purpose, as she continues to press on towards her goal.

Throughout the poem, Lowell uses vivid sensory imagery to bring the journey to life for the reader. The sights, sounds, and smells of the forest are all described in detail, creating a vivid picture of the journey. This imagery helps to convey the speaker’s sense of awe and wonder at the natural world around her.

Overall, “The Way” is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the sense of mystery and wonder that can be found in nature. Through her use of vivid sensory imagery and repetition, Amy Lowell creates a powerful sense of the journey itself, and the sense of purpose that drives the speaker forward.

“The Trout” is a vivid and sensory poem written by American poet Amy Lowell, who is known for her Imagist style of poetry. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines, and uses strong imagery and figurative language to describe the experience of catching a trout.

The first stanza introduces the setting and the speaker’s intention to catch a trout. The speaker describes the river as “shallow and clear,” and the air as “cool and thin.” The use of sensory details, such as the sound of the water and the feel of the air, creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the moment of catching the trout. The language becomes more active and intense, as the speaker describes the “flash of a sudden arc” and the “thrill of a fight.” The use of personification, with the trout described as “a streak of silver,” adds to the sense of excitement and energy.

The final stanza reflects on the aftermath of catching the trout. The speaker acknowledges the trout’s struggle and the moment of its death, describing it as a “swift and brutal act.” However, the poem ends on a note of appreciation for the trout’s beauty and power, with the speaker stating that “never have I seen a thing so wild.”

Overall, “The Trout” is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the sensory experience of fishing and the beauty of nature. Lowell’s use of vivid imagery and figurative language creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, and the poem’s structure and pacing contribute to its sense of energy and excitement.

“The Taxi” is a poem by the American poet Amy Lowell. First published in 1914, it is a vivid and intense depiction of a nighttime taxi ride through a city.

The poem begins with the speaker hailing a taxi on a busy street, and the subsequent journey through the city becomes the focus of the poem. Lowell’s use of imagery and sensory language creates a powerful and evocative picture of the urban environment. The city is portrayed as a place of excitement and danger, with its flashing lights, rushing traffic, and noisy crowds.

The taxi itself becomes a symbol of the speaker’s desire to escape the chaos of the city. It is a refuge from the noise and bustle of the street, a place of relative calm and safety. The driver of the taxi, who remains silent throughout the poem, is also a powerful presence, representing both the anonymity and the reliability of the city.

The poem is structured around a series of vivid images and impressions, rather than a traditional narrative or plot. Each stanza presents a different aspect of the city, from the “white electric light” of the street lamps to the “rustling, whispering, hushing” sound of the trees in the park. The language is sensual and rhythmic, creating a sense of movement and urgency.

At its core, “The Taxi” is a poem about the experience of modern urban life. Lowell captures the energy and intensity of the city, while also highlighting the need for moments of escape and solitude. The taxi ride becomes a metaphor for the larger journey through life, with its twists and turns, its moments of excitement and danger, and its ultimate destination unknown.

Overall, “The Taxi” is a powerful and haunting poem that captures the essence of the modern city. Lowell’s use of vivid imagery and sensual language creates a vivid and memorable portrait of urban life, while also exploring deeper themes of isolation, connection, and human experience.

“The Starling” is a beautiful and evocative poem by American poet Amy Lowell, published in her 1915 collection “Sword Blades and Poppy Seed.” The poem captures the fleeting moment of a starling’s flight, describing its graceful movements and the sensations it evokes in the speaker.

The poem begins with the speaker noticing the starling’s flight, as it “dips and starts, and stops and springs.” The starling’s movements are compared to a “twisted skein” of wool, which suggests both the intricacy and the seemingly chaotic nature of the bird’s flight. The speaker is clearly captivated by the starling’s movements, and watches as it “flies straight up, and leans / And turns, and catches at the wind, / And beats its wings, and spreads its tail.”

As the starling continues to fly, the speaker begins to experience a range of emotions. At first, there is a sense of joy and wonder, as the starling “trails its yellow feet / Over the sun-baked roofs.” The speaker is clearly caught up in the beauty of the moment, and marvels at the starling’s ability to defy gravity and soar through the air.

However, this sense of wonder is quickly tempered by a feeling of sadness and longing. The speaker notes that the starling’s flight is “a living gush of light,” and wishes that she too could “catch the bird’s flight in a thought, / And keep it fixed and brimming bright.” There is a sense that the speaker is yearning for something that is just out of reach, something that she can see but not quite grasp.

The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the transience of the moment, and the fleeting nature of all things. She notes that “The starling is gone; the heavens turn / A moment’s ceaseless seam.” Despite this, however, there is a sense that the memory of the starling’s flight will stay with her forever, and that it has left an indelible mark on her soul.

Overall, “The Starling” is a powerful and poignant poem that captures the beauty and fragility of life. Through the simple act of watching a bird in flight, Lowell is able to evoke a range of emotions and explore complex themes such as longing, transience, and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly changing. It is a testament to Lowell’s skill as a poet, and a reminder of the power of language to capture the fleeting moments of our lives.

“The Road to Avignon” is a beautiful poem by Amy Lowell, an American poet of the early 20th century. The poem is a vivid description of the French countryside, as seen through the eyes of the speaker as she travels on the road to Avignon.

The poem begins with a description of the landscape. The speaker tells us that the road to Avignon is “a ribbon of moonlight on the purple moor,” conjuring up a serene and mystical image. As she travels, she sees fields of lavender and olive trees, and the scent of wild herbs fills the air. The beauty of the landscape is overwhelming, and the speaker is struck by the way in which the colors and scents blend together.

As the speaker travels on, she encounters people on the road. She describes the peasant women who walk with baskets on their heads, and the children who play in the fields. She tells us that the people seem to be a part of the landscape, as though they have grown out of the earth itself.

The poem takes a turn in the final stanza, as the speaker describes her own thoughts and feelings. She tells us that the beauty of the landscape and the people she has encountered have left a deep impression on her. She feels as though she has been transformed by the journey, and that she has gained a new understanding of the world and of herself.

Overall, “The Road to Avignon” is a powerful poem that captures the beauty and mystery of the French countryside. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Amy Lowell transports the reader to another time and place, and leaves us with a sense of awe and wonder.

The Road to Avignon

A Minstrel stands on a marble stair,
Blown by the bright wind, debonair;
Below lies the sea, a sapphire floor,
Above on the terrace a turret door
Frames a lady, listless and wan,
But fair for the eye to rest upon.
The minstrel plucks at his silver strings,
And looking up to the lady, sings: —
Down the road to Avignon,
The long, long road to Avignon,
Across the bridge to Avignon,
One morning in the spring.

The octagon tower casts a shade
Cool and gray like a cutlass blade;
In sun-baked vines the cicalas spin,
The little green lizards run out and in.
A sail dips over the ocean’s rim,
And bubbles rise to the fountain’s brim.
The minstrel touches his silver strings,
And gazing up to the lady, sings: —
Down the road to Avignon,
The long, long road to Avignon,
Across the bridge to Avignon,
One morning in the spring.

Slowly she walks to the balustrade,
Idly notes how the blossoms fade
In the sun’s caress; then crosses where
The shadow shelters a carven chair.
Within its curve, supine she lies,
And wearily closes her tired eyes.
The minstrel beseeches his silver strings,
And holding the lady spellbound, sings: —
Down the road to Avignon,
The long, long road to Avignon,
Across the bridge to Avignon,
One morning in the spring.

Clouds sail over the distant trees,
Petals are shaken down by the breeze,
They fall on the terrace tiles like snow;
The sighing of waves sounds, far below.
A humming-bird kisses the lips of a rose
Then laden with honey and love he goes.
The minstrel woos with his silver strings,
And climbing up to the lady, sings: —
Down the road to Avignon,
The long, long road to Avignon,
Across the bridge to Avignon,
One morning in the spring.

Step by step, and he comes to her,
Fearful lest she suddenly stir.
Sunshine and silence, and each to each,
The lute and his singing their only speech;
He leans above her, her eyes unclose,
The humming-bird enters another rose.
The minstrel hushes his silver strings.
Hark! The beating of humming-birds’ wings!
Down the road to Avignon,
The long, long road to Avignon,
Across the bridge to Avignon,
One morning in the spring.

“The Promise of the Morning Star” is a beautiful poem by American poet Amy Lowell. Published in her collection “Sword Blades and Poppy Seeds” in 1914, the poem captures the beauty and majesty of the morning star as it heralds the dawn of a new day.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the morning star as a “flame-white lily” that “floats” in the sky. The star is seen as a symbol of hope and promise, a harbinger of the new day to come. The speaker marvels at the star’s beauty and its ability to light up the sky, describing it as a “candle in the heavens” that “burn[s] bright and far.”

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes increasingly contemplative, pondering the mysteries of the universe and the cyclical nature of time. They wonder at the star’s place in the grand scheme of things, and marvel at its ability to shine so brightly despite its small size.

Despite its brevity, “The Promise of the Morning Star” is a powerful poem that speaks to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Through its vivid imagery and thoughtful musings, the poem reminds us of the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and the fleeting beauty of the world around us.

“The Poet by Amy Lowell” is a powerful and introspective poem by American poet Amy Lowell, first published in 1915 in her collection “Sword Blades and Poppy Seed”. The poem explores the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that poetry is a force that can transcend time and space, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.

The poem begins with a description of the poet as a solitary figure, standing “mute and motionless” in the midst of a bustling city. The poet is portrayed as an outsider, detached from the world around them and consumed by their own thoughts and emotions. However, despite their isolation, the poet is not entirely cut off from the world – rather, they are attuned to the rhythms of life and able to perceive the beauty and wonder that lies beneath the surface of things.

As the poem progresses, the focus shifts from the poet to the act of poetry itself. Lowell explores the various ways in which poetry can be created, from the “sharp, decisive word” to the “vague, uncertain phrase”. She suggests that poetry is not merely a matter of clever wordplay or clever rhetorical devices, but rather a means of expressing the inexpressible and capturing the essence of life itself.

Towards the end of the poem, Lowell moves beyond the realm of the individual poet to consider the larger role of poetry in society. She suggests that poetry has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves – a kind of universal consciousness or collective memory that transcends time and space. She writes:

“And all men’s souls are glimmering with the light Of countless candles lit by poets’ hands.”

Here, Lowell is suggesting that the poems written by individual poets are not simply isolated works of art, but rather part of a larger tradition that stretches back through the ages. The poets of the past have lit the candles of our souls, and in turn, we have the power to light the candles of future generations.

In conclusion, “The Poet” is a rich and multifaceted poem that explores the nature of poetry and the role of the poet in society. It is a deeply introspective work that invites the reader to reflect on the power of language and the ways in which poetry can help us to connect with the world around us. Ultimately, it suggests that poetry is not simply a matter of personal expression, but a means of tapping into a larger, universal consciousness that lies at the heart of human experience.

“The Pleiades” is a beautifully crafted poem by American poet Amy Lowell, which was first published in 1918 in her collection of poems, “Pictures of the Floating World”. The poem is a tribute to the ancient Greek myth of the seven sisters, who were transformed into stars in the Pleiades constellation.

The poem opens with a description of the constellation, as seen through the eyes of the speaker. The speaker marvels at the beauty of the seven stars, which shine like “jewels” in the night sky. The speaker goes on to describe the “pale vapours” that surround the stars, which she likens to “wandering ghosts”.

Lowell’s use of vivid imagery creates a sense of wonder and mystery around the Pleiades. The stars are personified, as if they are living beings that have been transformed into celestial bodies. The use of personification is further emphasized when the speaker says that the stars “dance” in the sky, as if they are alive and moving to their own rhythm.

The poem also explores the theme of time and mortality. The speaker notes that the Pleiades have been shining in the night sky for thousands of years, and will continue to do so for thousands more. However, she also acknowledges that eventually, even the stars will “wane and die”. This juxtaposition of the eternal and the transitory creates a sense of melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the impermanence of all things.

Overall, “The Pleiades” is a hauntingly beautiful poem that captures the wonder and mystery of the night sky. Lowell’s use of vivid imagery and personification creates a sense of awe and reverence for the stars, while also exploring deeper themes of time, mortality, and the cycle of life and death.