At Night by Amy Lowell (1917)

Name: At Night
Author: Amy Lowell

At Night by Amy Lowell is a poem that explores the themes of darkness, solitude, and introspection. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life, observing how the world changes at night. The poem also touches on the idea of the self and the search for identity. In the poem, Lowell uses imagery and symbolism to convey a sense of mystery and wonder. The speaker describes the night as "a time when the world is most silent," and notes how the stars seem to "twinkle with a language / That's not in any book." This line suggests that the night holds secrets and mysteries that are beyond human understanding, and that the stars are a source of knowledge that cannot be accessed through books or other means. The poem also explores the idea of the self and the search for identity. The speaker reflects on how they have changed over time, noting how their "face is altered" and how they have "lost some of [their] old charm." This line suggests that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and the passage of time, and that they are grappling with the idea of who they are and what their place in the world is. Overall, At Night by Amy Lowell is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of darkness, solitude, introspection, and the search for identity. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions, and to consider the mysteries of the world around them.

By Amy Lowell · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Imagist Poetry, American Literature · 157 words

First lines

The wind is singing through the trees to-night, A deep-voiced song of rushing cadences And crashing intervals. No summer breeze Is this, though hot July is at its height, Gone is her gentler music; with delight She listens to this booming like the seas, These elemental, loud necessities Which call to her to answer their swift might.

Above the tossing trees shines down a star, Quietly bright; this wild, tumultuous joy Quickens nor dims its splendour. And my mind, O Star! is filled with your white light, from far, So suffer me this one night to enjoy The freedom of the onward sweeping wind.

What this Textopian page supports

At Night is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1917 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Amy Lowell
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Imagist Poetry, American Literature
Length: 157 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — Amy Lowell is recognized as a renowned poet, and the book 'At Night' follows her signature poetic structure and lyrical expression.
Imagist Poetry — Lowell was a prominent Imagist poet, and this book exemplifies the Imagist focus on clear, sharp language, and vivid imagery.
American Literature — As Lowell is an American author and the work reflects themes and contexts of American culture and society, the book can be classified under American Literature.