The Return from Town
The poem explores themes of nostalgia, longing, and the complexities of love and desire. The speaker reflects on a return to a familiar, idyllic setting, evoking a sense of peace and contentment. As she interacts with the natural landscape, she encounters youthful figures that symbolize potential romantic connections. The imagery of the stream and the hills suggests a serene environment, yet the presence of the boy and the youth introduces an element of yearning and unfulfilled desire. The speaker's observations reveal a tension between the simplicity of her surroundings and the complexities of her emotions. The mention of "any girl" and "any maid" implies a universality to attraction and the fleeting nature of youthful encounters. The return home signifies a reconnection with her roots, yet it also brings forth reflections on choices made and paths not taken. As she arrives at her gate, the speaker acknowledges the absence of sadness, suggesting a resignation to her current state. However, the mention of a "pretty lad" hints at the allure of what could have been, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of her reflections. The poem encapsulates the interplay between the comfort of home and the allure of youthful possibilities, ultimately portraying a nuanced understanding of love and longing.
By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1931 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral · 129 words
First lines
As I sat down by Saddle Stream To bathe my dusty feet there,
A boy was standing on the bridge Any girl would meet there.
As I went over Woody Knob And dipped into the hollow,
A youth was coming up the hill Any maid would follow.
What this Textopian page supports
The Return from Town is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1931 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: 1931 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Pastoral, Narrative Poetry, Modernism
- Length: 129 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Return from Town by Edna St. Vincent Millay
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Return from Town?
- How does this poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions and imagery aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and personal experience reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Pastoral — The setting and focus on rural life and simplicity suggest pastoral elements.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its imagery and characters, fitting the narrative poetry genre.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · Feminist · Romanticism · Nature · Love · Loss · Memory · Nostalgia · Imagery · Symbolism
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