Souvenir by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: Souvenir
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem reflects on a brief, seemingly insignificant encounter that leaves a lasting impression. The speaker recalls a short period spent with someone, characterized by a rainy atmosphere and a sense of isolation in a tower. The memories are tinged with both fondness and bitterness, highlighting the complexity of human relationships. The imagery of the rainy days and the windy tower evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection. The speaker notes the mundane details of the encounter, such as the "ugly coat" and the "bitter word," which contrast with the emotional resonance of the memory. Despite the negative aspects, the speaker is left with a sense of nostalgia, likening the person to a "singing bird," suggesting that even fleeting moments can hold beauty and significance. The juxtaposition of the ordinary and the profound illustrates how memories can be shaped by emotions, transforming simple experiences into poignant reflections on love, loss, and the passage of time. The speaker grapples with the tension between the triviality of the encounter and its lasting impact, ultimately revealing the complexity of human connections and the way they linger in our minds.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 119 words

First lines

Just a rainy day or two In a windy tower, That was all I had of you- Saving half an hour Marred by greeting passing groups

In a cinder walk, Near some naked blackberry hoops Dim with purple chalk.

I remember three or four Things you said in spite, And an ugly coat you wore, Plaided black and white.

Just a rainy day or two And a bitter word.

What this Textopian page supports

Souvenir is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Imagism, Confessional Poetry
Length: 119 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of memory, nature, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
Modernism — The poem's structure and focus on subjective experience reflect modernist tendencies.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and concise language are hallmarks of the Imagist movement.