Even in the Moment of our Earliest Kiss

Name: Even in the Moment of our Earliest Kiss
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the complex interplay of love, nature, and the inevitability of loss. It begins with a moment of intimacy, symbolized by a kiss, which is juxtaposed with the awareness of impending sorrow. The speaker reflects on the transient beauty of love, likening it to the fleeting stages of a flower's growth, from bud to bloom, while acknowledging the underlying presence of regret and disappointment. The speaker's rural upbringing informs a pragmatic view of life, recognizing the harsh realities of nature, such as frost and autumn. This awareness leads to a resigned acceptance of loss, encapsulated in the phrase "What's out tonight is lost." The speaker expresses a desire for a more favorable season, hoping for a summer that extends into a fruitful fall, symbolizing the wish for enduring love and happiness. The imagery of nature serves as a metaphor for human emotions, illustrating the cyclical nature of life and love. The speaker's longing for a bountiful harvest reflects a deeper yearning for connection and fulfillment, yet there is an acknowledgment of the inevitability of change and decay. The poem captures the tension between hope and despair, ultimately suggesting that even in moments of joy, the shadow of loss looms large. Through rich imagery and a contemplative tone, the work delves into the bittersweet essence of love, highlighting the beauty of fleeting moments while grappling with the reality of their impermanence. The speaker's reflections resonate with universal themes of love, nature, and the passage of time, inviting readers to contemplate their own experiences of joy and loss.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1921 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 151 words

First lines

Even in the moment of our earliest kiss, When sighed the straitened bud into the flower, Sat the dry seed of most unwelcome this; And that I knew, though not the day and hour.

Too season-wise am I, being country-bred, To tilt at autumn or defy the frost:

Snuffing the chill even as my fathers did, I say with them, "What's out tonight is lost. " I only hoped, with the mild hope of all

Who watch the leaf take shape upon the tree, A fairer summer and a later fall

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Even in the Moment of our Earliest Kiss is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1921 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Modernism, Symbolism
Length: 151 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love and nature reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
Nature Poetry — The imagery of seasons and nature is central to the poem's themes.
Modernism — The poem's introspective style and exploration of complex emotions align with modernist themes.