Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Amulet" by Donald (Grady) Davidson is a poem that intertwines themes of love, protection, and mysticism through the crafting and gifting of an amulet. The speaker imbues the object with wishes and magical properties, hoping to shield his beloved from harm. The poem is rich in imagery, drawing on elements of folklore and myth to create a sense of the amulet's power and significance.

The opening stanza introduces the amulet as a "twist of gold, woven so curiously," suggesting both its physical beauty and its intricate craftsmanship. The speaker's desire for the amulet to remain warm and tender on his lover's skin, rather than becoming cold "like metal death," conveys a wish for their affection to remain alive and passionate, with the amulet serving as a reminder of his presence.

In the second stanza, the inclusion of "a stone of blue chalcedony" within the amulet is meant to protect the beloved from deceit or danger, symbolized by "the serpent's little eye." Chalcedony, a gemstone associated with calm and composure, is chosen for its protective qualities, with the "cunning loop" ensuring the stone's effectiveness.

The third stanza further elaborates on the protective measures woven into the amulet's design. The "seven laps the quorls were subtly twined" and the gold "hammered by black elves’ mauls" evoke a magical process of creation, involving elements from nature and mythical craftsmanship to ward off "the dragon's hungry tooth." This elaborate description underscores the lengths to which the speaker goes to ensure his beloved's safety.

As the poem progresses to the fourth stanza, the speaker mentions keeping the amulet alongside "many another dull and boughten thing" until the time is right to present it to his beloved. This anticipation of their reunion and the moment when he will "fix thee pendant on the carcanet / Around her white neck set" speaks to the depth of his affection and the significance he places on the amulet as a symbol of his love.

The final stanza reveals that the speaker has engraved "some small incantation" on the amulet, invoking the wisdom of "King Solomon" and the allure it held over "Sheba’s throat." This allusion to legendary figures known for their wisdom and power suggests the speaker's hope that the amulet will have a similar captivating effect, binding his beloved to him with warmth and subjugation.

Overall, "The Amulet" is a poem that beautifully melds the material and the mystical, expressing deep love and concern through the creation of a magical object. Davidson's use of vivid imagery and references to myth and legend imbue the amulet with a sense of ancient power, making it a profound token of love and protection.

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