Rendezvous

Name: Rendezvous
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, intimacy, and the complexities of human relationships. The speaker expresses a desire for a more genuine connection, one that is not overshadowed by societal expectations or the trappings of decorum. The setting, filled with beautiful flowers and a bright atmosphere, contrasts with the speaker's longing for a more authentic and less ostentatious environment. The speaker reflects on the superficiality of their surroundings, suggesting that the beauty of the blooms and the elegance of the space detract from the rawness of their emotions. There is a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, darker space where true feelings could flourish without the weight of history and expectation. The mention of a quarrel with a taxi driver over a line of Milton serves to highlight the speaker's intellectual engagement and the desire for deeper conversations, which are often lost in the superficiality of social interactions. The speaker's admiration for the other person is tinged with a sense of frustration, as they wish for a more natural state of being, free from the constraints of cleanliness and societal norms. The imagery of laughter and physical touch conveys a sense of intimacy, yet the speaker feels a disconnect, likening their feelings to that of a maternal figure rather than a romantic partner. This dynamic creates tension, as the speaker grapples with their emotions and the nature of their relationship. Overall, the work delves into the intricacies of love, the desire for authenticity, and the struggle to connect meaningfully in a world filled with distractions and expectations. The speaker's reflections reveal a deep yearning for a connection that transcends the superficial, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and the longing for genuine intimacy.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 222 words

First lines

Not for these lovely blooms that prank your chambers did I come. Indeed, I could have loved you better in the dark;

That is to say, in rooms less bright with roses, rooms more casual, less aware Of History in the wings about to enter with benevolent air

On ponderous tiptoe, at the cue "Proceed."

Not that I like the ash-trays over-crowded and the place in a mess, Or the monastic cubicle too unctuously austere and stark, But partly that these formal garlands for our Eighth Street Aphrodite are a bit too Greek, And partly that to make the poor walls rich with our unaided loveliness Would have been more chic.

What this Textopian page supports

Rendezvous is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Lyric, Drama
Length: 222 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores themes of love and intimacy.
Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic themes, focusing on personal emotions and relationships.
Modernism — The poem exhibits modernist characteristics through its innovative style and exploration of complex emotions.
Lyric — The poem is a lyric piece, expressing personal feelings and thoughts in a musical form.