Listening by Amy Lowell (1925)
"Listening" is a poem written by Amy Lowell in 1914. The poem explores the theme of listening and the importance of being present in the moment. Lowell reflects on the various ways in which people listen, from the physical act of hearing to the mental process of understanding. She also considers the role of silence in listening, highlighting the importance of allowing oneself to be fully immersed in the present moment. Throughout the poem, Lowell uses imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that true listening is a form of connection and intimacy, one that allows us to tap into the deeper aspects of ourselves and others.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Imagism, Feminist literature · 159 words
First lines
'T is you that are the music, not your song.
The song is but a door which, opening wide, Lets forth the pent-up melody inside, Your spirit's harmony, which clear and strong Sings but of you. Throughout your whole life long Your songs, your thoughts, your doings, each divide This perfect beauty; waves within a tide, Or single notes amid a glorious throng.
The song of earth has many different chords; Ocean has many moods and many tones Yet always ocean. In the damp Spring woods The painted trillium smiles, while crisp pine cones Autumn alone can ripen. So is this One music with a thousand cadences.
What this Textopian page supports
Listening is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Imagism, Feminist literature, Romantic literature
- Length: 159 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Listening by Amy Lowell
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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- How does this poem by Amy Lowell fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- Pathos by Alice Meynell
- From One Who Stays by Amy Lowell
- The Land Of Dreams by Alice Meynell
- In A Silence by Bliss Carman
- A Little Song by Amy Lowell
- Matin Song by Alice Meynell
Genres
- Poetry — Amy Lowell is known for her contributions to imagist poetry. Therefore, any of her works, including 'Listening', would typically fall under this genre.
- Imagism — Amy Lowell was a proponent of the imagist movement. Imagism is characterized by precision of imagery and clear, sharp language. This style is prevalent in 'Listening'.
- Feminist literature — Lowell's works often explore themes of female experience and gender roles, which aligns with the genre of feminist literature.
- Romantic literature — Part of Lowell's poetry, including 'Listening', contains romantic themes and expressive personal sentiments typically found in romantic literature.
Tags
poetry · audio · listening · perception · empathy · communication · understanding · introspection · self-awareness · inner voice · reflection · insight