No Lack of Counsel

Name: No Lack of Counsel
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the complexities of love, desire, and the tension between vulnerability and self-preservation. The speaker acknowledges the abundance of advice on how to attain and maintain love, yet feels compelled to reveal their own emotional struggles. They express a desire to hold onto their beloved while simultaneously fearing that their insecurities might drive them away. The speaker grapples with the idea of authenticity in love, preferring to be valued for their true self rather than through manipulation or superficial means. They reflect on the natural, unguarded qualities of the earth, likening them to their own wish for genuine affection. The speaker would rather be loved for their intrinsic worth, even if that love is fleeting, than to resort to tricks or potions to bind their beloved. The poem ultimately conveys a deep yearning for a connection that is both honest and profound, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in relationships over mere possession or control. The speaker's internal conflict highlights the delicate balance between the desire for love and the fear of losing it, encapsulating the universal struggle of navigating romantic emotions.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1939 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 136 words

First lines

No lack of counsel from the shrewd and wise

How love may be acquired and how conserved

Warrants this laying bare before your eyes

My needle to your north abruptly swerved; If I would hold you, I must hide my fears

What this Textopian page supports

No Lack of Counsel is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1939 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1939 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romance, Lyric, Philosophical, Modernist
Length: 136 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Romance — The themes revolve around love, desire, and emotional connection.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Philosophical — It explores deeper themes of love, worth, and human emotions.