FROM THE POETRY SHELF1914

Obligation

by

Hold your apron wide That I may pour my gifts into it, So that scarcely shall your two arms hinder them From falling to the ground. I would pour them upon you And cover you, For greatly do I feel this need Of giving you something, Even these poor things. Dearest of my Heart!
Sword Blades and Poppy Seed (1914) · Project Gutenberg ↗

Public domain in the United States.

License & usage

Collection and author context

The linked Project Gutenberg text places this poem in Sword Blades and Poppy Seed (1914). Lowell’s work as a poet, critic, and editor—and her advocacy for Imagism—provides broader context for reading the collection.

Source text: Sword Blades and Poppy Seed (1914) · Project Gutenberg. Further reading: all poems by Amy Lowell · Academy of American Poets: Amy Lowell · Poetry Foundation: Amy Lowell.

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