First Fig

First Fig by Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the speaker's desire for independence and autonomy, using the metaphor of a fig tree to convey their longing for freedom from societal expectations and constraints. The speaker describes the ripening of the figs, which symbolize their own emotional and intellectual maturity, and expresses a sense of urgency to seize control over their life before it is too late.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Autobiographical, Romantic · 41 words

First lines

My candle burns at both ends; / It will not last the night; / But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends -- / It gives a lovely light!

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First Fig is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 CE.

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Poetry · American Literature · Feminist Literature · Early 20th Century · Modernism · Free Verse · Love Poems · Romantic Poetry · Nature Imagery · Sensual Language · Emotional Intensity · Personal Reflections

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