English Sparrows

Name: English Sparrows
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem captures a serene moment in an urban setting just before dawn, emphasizing the beauty and tranquility of the early morning. The speaker finds solace in the quietness of the park, appreciating the soft colors of the sky and the refreshing air. This moment of stillness is contrasted with the lively sounds of sparrows, symbolizing the awakening of the city and the onset of daily life. The speaker reflects on their contentment, feeling a connection to the environment and the solitary man nearby, both sharing in the peacefulness of the morning. The imagery evokes a sense of harmony between nature and urban life, highlighting the simple joys found in everyday moments. The poem ultimately celebrates the beauty of existence, the passage of time, and the interplay between stillness and activity in a bustling city.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1921 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Urban Literature · 252 words

First lines

(Washington Square)

How sweet the sound in the city an hour before sunrise, When the park is empty and grey and the light clear and so lovely I must sit on the floor before my open window for an hour with my arms on the sill

And my cheek on my arm, watching the spring sky's Soft suffusion from the roofed horizon upward with palest rose, Doting on the charming sight with eyes Open, eyes closed;

Breathing with quiet pleasure the cool air cleansed by the night, lacking all will To let such happiness go, nor thinking the least thing ill

What this Textopian page supports

English Sparrows is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1921 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Urban Literature, Lyric, Imagism
Length: 252 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure typical of poetry.
Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural elements and the beauty of the morning, focusing on the environment.
Urban Literature — The setting is an urban environment, reflecting on city life and its sounds.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.