The poem explores the theme of femininity and societal expectations. The speaker describes a woman who is overheard singing, revealing her true self in a moment of solitude. The song is a expression of her inner desires and emotions, which are suppressed by the constraints of her daily life. The poem highlights the tension between the woman's public persona and her private feelings, suggesting that women are often forced to conform to societal norms at the expense of their individuality.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama