Say what you Will

Name: Say what you Will
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of identity, growth, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on their inner self, asserting that despite external perceptions and judgments, they have evolved and matured. The imagery of nature, particularly the contrast between the seasons, symbolizes the complexities of personal development. The speaker acknowledges the weight of experience and the inevitability of change, likening their emotional state to the cyclical nature of life. The use of floral imagery, such as roses and leaves, signifies beauty and transience, while the mention of frost and birds suggests a transition and the approach of winter. The speaker's defiance against being reduced to past identities emphasizes a deeper understanding of self that transcends superficial labels. The poem ultimately conveys a sense of resilience and acceptance of one's multifaceted nature, affirming that growth is an integral part of existence, regardless of how others may perceive it.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1934 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 155 words

First lines

Say what you will, and scratch my heart to find

The roots of last year's roses in my breast;

I am as surely riper in my mind

As if the fruit stood in the stalls confessed.

What this Textopian page supports

Say what you Will is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1934 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: 1934 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Nature Poetry, Confessional Poetry
Length: 155 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem's introspective style and exploration of identity reflect modernist tendencies.
Nature Poetry — The imagery of nature and seasons is central to the poem's themes.