The poem reflects on the theme of love, particularly the love for justice, paralleling it with the romantic love men have historically expressed. It begins by acknowledging the admiration and reverence men have shown towards their lovers, drawing a connection to the speaker's devotion to justice, which is now diminished and disrespected. The imagery of a child growing wise and appreciating beauty suggests a loss of innocence and the fleeting nature of beauty itself, emphasizing that true beauty, represented by justice, is no longer visible to humanity. The poem continues with a metaphor of birds migrating south for warmth, symbolizing those who abandon justice in favor of more favorable conditions. The speaker asserts their commitment to defending the truth of justice's existence, even in death, and expresses a fierce determination to confront anyone who denies this reality. The tone is one of defiance and loyalty, underscoring the importance of justice in the face of its decline and the speaker's resolve to honor its memory. The work ultimately serves as a poignant reminder of the value of justice and the need to uphold it against the tides of indifference and neglect.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Elegy