On First having Heard the Skylark

Name: On First having Heard the Skylark
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores the profound emotional impact of encountering a skylark, symbolizing beauty, freedom, and the transcendent power of nature. The speaker initially experiences confusion and awe, not understanding the bird's origins or its connection to the earth. The skylark's song pierces the speaker's heart, evoking a sense of vulnerability and longing. The relentless nature of the bird's cry creates a tension between the speaker's earthly existence and the ethereal quality of the skylark's song. As the speaker gazes into the sky, they feel overwhelmed by the beauty and intensity of the moment, leading to a sense of isolation amidst the vastness of nature. The imagery of arrows and the metaphor of being beset by angels suggest a struggle between the speaker's human experience and the divine inspiration represented by the skylark. The moment culminates in the revelation of the bird itself, transforming the abstract experience into a tangible encounter. The speaker's recognition of the skylark as a "Blithe Spirit" signifies a moment of clarity and connection, yet it also brings forth an emotional response that leads to tears. This juxtaposition of joy and sorrow highlights the complexity of human emotions in the face of nature's beauty. The poem ultimately reflects on the interplay between the mundane and the sublime, illustrating how moments of beauty can evoke deep feelings of longing and introspection.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 313 words

First lines

Not knowing he rose from earth, not having seen him rise, Not knowing the fallow furrow was his home, And that high wing, untouchable, untainted, A wing of earth, with the warm loam Closely acquainted, I shuddered at his cry and caught my heart.

Relentless out of heaven his sweet crying like a crystal dart Was launched against me. Scanning the empty sky

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On First having Heard the Skylark is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1917 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1917 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Symbolism
Length: 313 words
Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes the natural world and the skylark, emphasizing the connection between nature and human emotion.
Romanticism — The themes of beauty, emotion, and the sublime in nature align with Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem's exploration of perception and emotional response reflects modernist themes.