No further from Me
The poem explores themes of love, distance, and the impact of war on personal and collective consciousness. The speaker reflects on a deep emotional connection to a distant place, symbolized by China and Japan, while grappling with the harsh realities of conflict. The imagery of natural beauty, such as Fuji-San, contrasts with the chaos of war, represented by the "bursting shell." The speaker's love for these places does not provide clarity or understanding in the face of violence, highlighting the limitations of affection in addressing the complexities of human suffering. The poem conveys a sense of despair and longing for peace, emphasizing the desire for a harmonious existence despite the inherent flaws of humanity. The juxtaposition of personal emotion against the backdrop of global turmoil underscores the struggle to reconcile love with the harsh truths of the world. Ultimately, the work reflects on the futility of seeking solace in love when confronted with the realities of human conflict, leaving the speaker in a state of sorrow and yearning for a more enduring peace.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, War Literature · 112 words
First lines
No further from me than my hand Is China that I loved so well; Love does not help to understand
The logic of the bursting shell. Perfect in dream above me yet
Shines the white cone of Fuji-San; I wake in fear, and weep and sweat . . .
Weep for Yoshida, for Japan. Logic alone, all love laid by, Must calm this crazed and plunging star:
What this Textopian page supports
No further from Me is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, War Literature, Romanticism, Modernism
- Length: 112 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the emotional impact of war.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- War Literature — The poem addresses the effects of war and the sorrow it brings, particularly in relation to Japan.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals through its emotional depth and connection to nature.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Heartbreak · Loss · Grief · Longing · Separation · Distance · Isolation · Loneliness · Melancholy
More by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Renascence and Other Poems (1912)
- Second April: SPRING (1921)
- Second April: CITY TREES (1921)
- Second April: THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG (1921)
- Second April: JOURNEY (1921)
- Second April: EEL-GRASS (1921)
- Second April: ELEGY BEFORE DEATH (1921)
- Second April: THE BEAN-STALK (1921)
- All works by Edna St. Vincent Millay