I do but Ask that you be Always Fair

Name: I do but Ask that you be Always Fair
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, beauty, and the complexities of emotional connection. The speaker requests fairness from their beloved, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding in their relationship. They express a desire for their partner to maintain their beauty and charm, suggesting that any decline in these qualities could lead to emotional turmoil. The speaker acknowledges their own changing moods and the potential for conflict that arises from vulnerability. They highlight the transient nature of emotions, indicating that sorrow and softness can lead to instability in their bond. The plea for their partner to prioritize their own allure over the speaker's needs reflects a deep understanding of the dynamics of love, where self-preservation and personal beauty are intertwined with the health of the relationship. The speaker's wish for their beloved to embody the grace of the seasons underscores the desire for a harmonious and nurturing connection. They advocate for a love that is not possessive but rather allows for individual growth and beauty. The poem ultimately conveys a longing for a relationship that balances personal freedom with mutual affection, where both partners can thrive without the fear of losing their essence.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1940 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Modernist Poetry · 131 words

First lines

I do but ask that you be always fair, That I for ever may continue kind; Knowing me what I am, you should not dare

To lapse from beauty ever, nor seek to bind

My alterable mood with lesser cords:

Weeping and such soft matters but invite

What this Textopian page supports

I do but Ask that you be Always Fair is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Confessional Poetry, Nature Poetry
Length: 131 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, beauty, and emotional complexity align with the Romantic genre.
Modernist Poetry — The poem's exploration of individual feelings and modern themes reflects Modernist influences.
Confessional Poetry — The intimate and personal nature of the poem suggests elements of confessional poetry.