"Venus Transiens" by Amy Lowell

and to think, the Venus de Milo would’ve been perfect, if only she’d stopped biting her nails...

Amy Lowell: The Firecracker of Imagism

Let’s talk about Amy Lowell, a poet who brought an electric charge to the world of Imagism in the early 20th century. Born in 1874 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Lowell was a powerhouse of passion and a master of vivid imagery. Despite coming from a prominent New England family, she wasn't afraid to break the mold and carve out her own path in the literary world. Her poetry, rich with sensuality and striking visuals, makes her a beacon of modernist literature. A real break-away from the traditional rhythmic structures of poetry, the imagist style really asked each word what it was bringing to the party and what it could offer to the overall flow of proceedings.

Venus Transiens: A Glimpse of Divine Love

"Venus Transiens" is a stellar example of Lowell's ability to capture the fleeting beauty of love and desire. In this poem, she channels the goddess of love herself, creating a lush tapestry of imagery that pulls us into a realm where vivid passion and an ethereal beauty reign supreme.

Venus Transiens
by Amy Lowell

Tell me,
Was Venus more beautiful
Than you are,
When she topped
The crinkled waves,
Drifting shoreward
On her plaited shell?
Was Botticelli’s vision
Fairer than mine;
And were the painted rosebuds   
He tossed his lady
Of better worth
Than the words I blow about you
To cover your too great loveliness   
As with a gauze
Of misted silver?

For me,
You stand poised
In the blue and buoyant air,
Cinctured by bright winds,
Treading the sunlight.
And the waves which precede you   
Ripple and stir
The sands at my feet.

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Amy Lowell’s Wondrous Wordscape of Imagery

Amy Lowell’s oeuvre is a treasure trove of poetic brilliance. Here’s a list of her major works that any poetry lover should explore:

• A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass (1912): Her debut collection that sets the stage for her future brilliance.

• Sword Blades and Poppy Seed (1914): A mix of traditional and free verse that showcases her evolving style.

• Men, Women and Ghosts (1916): A collection that delves into narratives and dramatic monologues.

• Can Grande’s Castle (1918): A foray into historical and medieval themes.

• Pictures of the Floating World (1919): Inspired by Japanese art, this collection is a visual feast.

• Legends (1921): A beautiful blend of myth and reality.

• What’s O’Clock (1925): This posthumously published collection won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

Amy Lowell wasn’t just a poet; she was a trailblazer. Her commitment to the Imagist movement and her bold, unabashed voice paved the way for future generations of poets. She challenged conventions not just in her poetry but in her life, defying societal norms and championing the cause of free verse.

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I’m seeing an image, it contains only the essential information, it’s conducive to the rhythm and flow of life, it’s a cup of coffee. You know the drill. Button below, click it, coffee, ta-da, will to live. Something like that. It really is essential. And it really does impact my overall flow & rhythm in life. Well, it does something, and it’s often delicious.