Meaning: The quote "You are ice and fire the touch of you burns my hands like snow" is a beautiful and evocative expression of the intense and contradictory nature of love and desire. This line, penned by the American poet Amy Lowell, captures the paradoxical experience of being drawn to someone who simultaneously ignites passion and yet feels cold and unattainable.

Amy Lowell, known for her modernist poetry and contributions to the Imagist movement, was a master at using vivid imagery and concise language to convey complex emotions. In this particular quote, she juxtaposes the opposing elements of ice and fire to convey the conflicting sensations experienced in the presence of the beloved.

The use of "ice" and "fire" in the quote symbolizes the extremes of passion and detachment, desire and restraint. The image of ice suggests a cold, distant, and unyielding quality, while fire represents intense heat, passion, and fervor. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a sense of tension and contradiction, reflecting the tumultuous and intense nature of love and longing.

The line "the touch of you burns my hands like snow" further emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the speaker's experience. Snow is typically associated with cold and numbness, yet the idea of it burning the hands suggests a surprising and unexpected sensation. This contradictory imagery mirrors the complex and unpredictable nature of desire, where the touch of a loved one can simultaneously bring both pleasure and pain.

In essence, Amy Lowell's quote encapsulates the duality of love and desire, where the object of affection can simultaneously evoke feelings of warmth and coldness, passion and restraint. It speaks to the complexity of human emotions and the often-conflicting experiences that arise in the realm of love and intimacy.

This quote also reflects the broader themes present in Lowell's body of work, particularly her exploration of love, desire, and the human experience. Throughout her poetry, Lowell delves into the intricacies of relationships, longing, and the complexities of human emotion, often using striking imagery and evocative language to convey these themes.

In conclusion, Amy Lowell's quote "You are ice and fire the touch of you burns my hands like snow" captures the paradoxical and intense nature of love and desire. Through the juxtaposition of opposing elements and vivid imagery, Lowell conveys the conflicting sensations experienced in the presence of the beloved. This quote stands as a poignant reminder of the complex and often contradictory emotions that define the human experience of love and longing.