Meaning: The quote "The Lord survives the rainbow of His will" is a profound and thought-provoking statement by the American poet Robert Lowell. In this brief but powerful line, Lowell explores the complex relationship between divinity and human experience, encapsulating themes of faith, destiny, and the inscrutable nature of God's will.

At its core, this quote seems to suggest that the Lord, or a higher power, endures and prevails over the ever-changing, colorful manifestations of His will, symbolized by the metaphor of the rainbow. The rainbow, often associated with beauty, promise, and hope, is a fleeting and ephemeral natural phenomenon, appearing after a storm and disappearing just as quickly. By juxtaposing the enduring nature of the Lord with the transient beauty of the rainbow, Lowell seems to be drawing attention to the timeless and unchanging nature of divine will in contrast to the temporal and mutable nature of human existence.

The use of the word "survives" in the quote is particularly striking, as it implies a sense of resilience and permanence. It suggests that the Lord not only endures but triumphs over the fluctuations and uncertainties of His own will, implying a sense of authority and control that transcends the vicissitudes of mortal experience. This idea of the Lord's will as a force that persists and ultimately prevails, even in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges, speaks to themes of faith, trust, and divine sovereignty.

In the context of Lowell's broader body of work, this quote can be seen as part of his ongoing exploration of religious and spiritual themes. Throughout his career, Lowell grappled with questions of faith, doubt, and the human condition, drawing on his own struggles and experiences to create poetry that probes the depths of religious belief and existential angst. "The Lord survives the rainbow of His will" reflects Lowell's ability to distill complex theological and philosophical concepts into concise, evocative language, inviting readers to contemplate the mysteries of faith and the ineffable nature of the divine.

It's worth noting that the use of the word "rainbow" in the quote carries symbolic significance across various religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, the rainbow is famously associated with the story of Noah's Ark, symbolizing God's covenant with humanity and the promise of protection and redemption. In other belief systems, the rainbow is often seen as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a symbol of harmony and unity in diversity. By invoking the image of the rainbow, Lowell taps into this rich tapestry of symbolic meanings, adding layers of depth and resonance to his exploration of divine will and endurance.

Overall, "The Lord survives the rainbow of His will" stands as a testament to Robert Lowell's ability to distill profound insights into deceptively simple language. Through this quote, Lowell invites readers to contemplate the timeless and immutable nature of the divine, juxtaposed against the transitory and ever-changing aspects of human experience. It encapsulates themes of faith, resilience, and the enigmatic nature of God's will, offering a compelling reflection on the intersection of the spiritual and the temporal in the human journey.