Evening on Lesbos by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Evening on Lesbos
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, loss, and longing through vivid imagery and emotional resonance. The speaker reflects on a past encounter with two beloved figures, symbolized by their "shingled heads" and distinct eye colors, which evoke a sense of beauty and intimacy. The repetition of "twice" emphasizes the significance of these moments, suggesting a deep connection that is now unattainable. The speaker grapples with the realization of loss, acknowledging that what was once cherished cannot be reclaimed. The contrasting imagery of "onyx and gold" and "agate eyes" highlights the duality of beauty and pain, reinforcing the idea that love can be both exquisite and fleeting. The mention of "sweet incense" evokes a sensory experience, linking the memory of love to the atmosphere of the night, which is described as "windless," suggesting a stillness that amplifies the speaker's feelings of nostalgia and sorrow. Overall, the work captures the essence of fleeting moments of connection and the enduring impact of love, even in its absence. The speaker's reflections convey a poignant sense of yearning, underscoring the complexity of human emotions tied to memory and desire.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1931 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 93 words

First lines

Twice having seen your shingled heads adorable / Side by side, the onyx and the gold, / I know that I have had what I could not hold.

Twice have I entered the room, not knowing she was here.

Two agate eyes, two eyes of malachite, / Twice have been turned upon me, hard and bright.

Whereby I know my loss.

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Evening on Lesbos is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1931 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1931 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Imagism, Elegy
Length: 93 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs

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Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and nature are prevalent, aligning with Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of loss and existential contemplation.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on sensory experience are hallmarks of Imagist poetry.