Felicity of Grief!

Name: Felicity of Grief!
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the complex interplay between grief and love, suggesting that the experience of loss is intertwined with the depth of one's emotional connections. It begins by acknowledging the kindness of death, which serves as a reminder of the love once shared. The speaker reflects on the challenge of love, likening it to a light glove that can be easily overlooked, yet holds significant meaning. The speaker grapples with the anguish that accompanies grief, questioning the necessity of enduring such pain. There is a recognition of the emptiness left by loss, emphasizing the struggle to navigate life in the absence of a loved one. The poem suggests that the weight of grief is a testament to the profound nature of the relationship that has been severed. As the speaker contemplates their suffering, they urge the reader to consider the magnitude of what has been lost. The poem conveys a sense of resignation to the passage of time, highlighting the long days that must be endured in the wake of loss. Ultimately, it reflects on the inherent awkwardness of grief, acknowledging that while it is a painful experience, it also underscores the significance of love and the connections that define our lives.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1931 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 131 words

First lines

Felicity of Grief! -even Death being kind, Reminding us how much we dared to love! There, once, the challenge lay,-like a light glove

Dropped as through carelessness-easy to find

Means and excuse for being somewhat blind

Just at that moment; and why bend above, Take up, such certain anguish for the mind? Ah, you who suffer now as I now do, Seeing, of Life's dimensions, not one left

What this Textopian page supports

Felicity of Grief! is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1931 CE.

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

Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1931 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Modernism, Philosophical Poetry
Length: 131 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on grief, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Elegy — The themes of loss and mourning align with the conventions of elegiac poetry.
Romanticism — The focus on individual emotion and the beauty of love and loss reflects Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem's introspective nature and exploration of complex emotions align with modernist themes.