“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 Promise of the Morning Star
By thee engendered in my willing heart,
How can I thank thee for this gift of art
Poured out so lavishly, and not in vain.What thou created never more can die,
Thy fructifying power lives in me
And I conceive, knowing it is by thee,
Dear other parent of my poetry!For I was but a shadow with a name,
Perhaps by now the very name’s forgot;
So strange is Fate that it has been my lot
To learn through thee the presence of that aimWhich evermore must guide me. All unknown,
By me unguessed, by thee not even dreamed,
A tree has blossomed in a night that seemed
Of stubborn, barren wood. For thou hast sownThis seed of beauty in a ground of truth.
Humbly I dedicate myself, and yet
I tremble with a sudden fear to set
New music ringing through my fading youth.
