Memory of Cape Cod

Name: Memory of Cape Cod
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem reflects on the speaker's memories of Cape Cod, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the natural beauty and tranquility of the coastal landscape. The imagery of the wind in the ash-tree resembling surf creates a connection between the speaker's present and past experiences. The speaker recalls being urged to leave behind the simple joys of collecting pebbles and shells, emphasizing a tension between the desire to hold onto cherished moments and the inevitability of moving on. The poem captures the essence of childhood innocence and the carefree nature of summer days spent by the sea. The mention of mosquitoes and the fading light of sunset adds a layer of realism, grounding the idyllic memories in the physical sensations of the environment. The repetition of the call to leave suggests a universal theme of growing up and the bittersweet nature of change. As the speaker shuts their eyes, there is a desire to retreat into the comforting sounds of nature, prioritizing the internal experience over external demands. This act of listening becomes a form of meditation, allowing the speaker to reconnect with the past and the emotions tied to those memories. The juxtaposition of the present moment with the past highlights the transient nature of time and the enduring impact of formative experiences. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of memory, nostalgia, and the interplay between nature and human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to place and the passage of time.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1941 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyric Poetry · 167 words

First lines

The wind in the ash-tree sounds like surf on the shore at Truro .

I will shut my eyes. hush, be still with your silly bleating, sheep on Shillingstone Hill.

They said: Come along! They said: Leave your pebbles on the sand and come along, it's long after sunset!

The mosquitoes will be thick in the pine-woods along by Long Nook, the wind's died down!

What this Textopian page supports

Memory of Cape Cod is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1941 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1941 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Regionalism
Length: 167 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Nature Writing — The themes focus on natural landscapes and the beauty of Cape Cod.
Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections related to nature.
Romanticism — The work emphasizes emotion and the sublime aspects of nature.