The Apple-Trees Bud
The poem explores themes of longing, loss, and the passage of time through the metaphor of nature, specifically the budding of apple trees. The speaker reflects on their own emotional stagnation in contrast to the vibrant renewal of spring. They question the existence of happiness, pondering whether it has transformed into something unattainable or exists elsewhere. The imagery of speed contrasts the frenetic pace of modern life with the slower, more contemplative nature of thought and emotion. The speaker expresses confusion and frustration over the abrupt arrival of summer, feeling unprepared for the changes it brings. They seek guidance from a higher power, yearning for protection and a return to innocence. The poem culminates in a desire for warmth and safety, symbolized by the lighting of candles for protection during life's unpredictable journey. The overall tone conveys a deep sense of yearning for connection and understanding amidst the complexities of existence.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry · 318 words
First lines
The apple-trees bud, but I do not.
Who forgot
What this Textopian page supports
The Apple-Trees Bud 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, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Romantic Poetry
- Length: 318 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Being Young And Green by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Hedge Of Hemlocks by Edna St Vincent Millay
- The Buck In The Snow by Edna St Vincent Millay
- What Savage Blossom by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Small Hands Relinquish All by Edna St Vincent Millay
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Modernist Poetry — The poem employs modernist themes such as disillusionment and the exploration of consciousness.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of apple trees and seasonal change connects the poem to nature themes.
- Philosophical Poetry — The poem contemplates existence, happiness, and the passage of time, aligning it with philosophical themes.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Love · Loss · Grief · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory
More by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Renascence and Other Poems (1912)
- Second April: SPRING (1921)
- Second April: CITY TREES (1921)
- Second April: THE BLUE-FLAG IN THE BOG (1921)
- Second April: JOURNEY (1921)
- Second April: EEL-GRASS (1921)
- Second April: ELEGY BEFORE DEATH (1921)
- Second April: THE BEAN-STALK (1921)
- All works by Edna St. Vincent Millay