But the reader will see that I have not entirely abandoned
the more classic English metres. I cannot see why, because certain manners
suit certain emotions and subjects, it should be considered imperative
for an author to employ no others. Schools are for those
who can confine themselves within them. Perhaps it is a weakness in me
that I cannot.

In conclusion, I would say that these remarks are in answer to many questions
asked me by people who have happened to read some of these poems
in periodicals. They are not for the purpose of forestalling criticism,
nor of courting it; and they deal, as I said in the beginning, solely with
the question of technique. For the more important part of the book,
the poems must speak for themselves.

Amy Lowell.
May 19, 1914.





Contents



Sword Blades and Poppy Seed

Sword Blades and Poppy Seed