Summer by Amy Lowell (1920)
Summer is a poem written by Amy Lowell in 1914. The poem reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. Lowell uses imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that summer is a season of growth, change, and transformation. The poem begins with the lines "Summer is here, / And the world is gay." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the themes of joy, beauty, and the cyclical nature of life. Lowell describes the sun as a "great golden ball" that shines down on the world, bringing light and warmth to all living things. The second stanza introduces the idea of change and transformation, with Lowell writing "The trees are green, / And the flowers bloom." This line suggests that summer is a time of growth and renewal, as plants and trees come to life and bloom. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, with Lowell writing "But man is mortal, / And his days are numbered." The final stanza of the poem is particularly striking, with Lowell writing "And so we pass, / Like flowers in the grass." This line emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The poem ends on a note of reflection and contemplation, as Lowell encourages the reader to "think of the days that are gone." Overall, Summer is a beautifully written poem that explores themes of growth, change, and mortality. Lowell's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture of the season and its place in the cycle of life.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Imagism · 478 words
First lines
Some men there are who find in nature all / Their inspiration, hers the sympathy / Which spurs them on to any great endeavor, / To them the fields and woods are closest friends, / And they hold dear communion with the hills; / The voice of waters soothes them with its fall, / And the great winds bring healing in their sound.
To them a city is a prison house / Where pent up human forces labour and strive, / Where beauty dwells not, driven forth by man; / But where in winter they must live until / Summer gives back the spaces of the hills.
What this Textopian page supports
Summer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Amy Lowell, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Imagism
- Length: 478 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Summer 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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Genres
- Poetry — Amy Lowell is known for her quintessential works in poetry, and her poetry often presents a vivid, sensory-driven depiction of nature.
- Nature — As the title suggests, the book likely revolves around experiences or observances related to the summer season.
- Imagism — Amy Lowell was a key figure in the imagist movement, which prioritizes clear, direct presentation of images in poetic language.
Tags
poetry · nature · seasonal · women · voice · emotions · inspiration · reflection · beach · ocean · sun · heat