Frankincense and Myrrh by Amy Lowell
"Frankincense and Myrrh" is a poem written by Amy Lowell in 1912. The poem explores the themes of love, loss, and remembrance through the use of frankincense and myrrh, which were traditional gifts brought to newborn kings in the Bible. Lowell uses these fragrant resins as symbols of the enduring power of love and memory, even in the face of death and loss. The poem is known for its beautiful imagery and evocative language, which creates a sense of longing and nostalgia.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Historical, Religious · 164 words
First lines
My heart is tuned to sorrow, and the strings Vibrate most readily to minor chords, Searching and sad; my mind is stuffed with words Which voice the passion and the ache of things: Illusions beating with their baffled wings Against the walls of circumstance, and hoards Of torn desires, broken joys; records Of all a bruised life's maimed imaginings.
Now you are come! You tremble like a star Poised where, behind earth's rim, the sun has set.
Your voice has sung across my heart, but numb And mute, I have no tones to answer. Far Within I kneel before you, speechless yet, And life ablaze with beauty, I am dumb.
What this Textopian page supports
Frankincense and Myrrh is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1912 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: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical, Religious
- Length: 164 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — Amy Lowell was a noted American poet and critic, known for her Imagist poetry which focuses on imagery, direct language, and precise visual detail. This title suggests a collection in line with her usual style.
- Historical — Frankincense and Myrrh are both ancient commodities, suggesting the text may delve into historical themes, context, or settings.
- Religious — Frankincense and myrrh are notably mentioned in Christian biblical texts, particularly the New Testament in the story of the Three Wise Men, offering the possibility of religious themes or undertones in the text.
Tags
Poetry · Classic Literature · American Literature · Women Writers · Nature Writing · Religion and Spirituality · Philosophy · Mythology · Feminist Literature · Gender Studies · LGBTQ+ Literature · Romanticism