We Talk of Taxes by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: We Talk of Taxes
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, societal obligations, and the complexities of human relationships through the metaphor of taxes. The speaker addresses a friend, acknowledging the superficiality of their connection while hinting at deeper, unacknowledged issues that permeate their lives. The imagery of weeds symbolizes the unnoticed problems that grow in neglect, suggesting that personal and societal issues can overwhelm one's senses and judgment. The reference to historical and literary figures, such as Isolde and Guinevere, evokes the idea of tragic love and the consequences of passion. These allusions serve to illustrate the weight of emotional entanglements and the inevitable downfall that can accompany them. The poem juxtaposes the mundane topic of taxes with profound emotional experiences, highlighting the tension between everyday concerns and the intensity of love. As the poem progresses, it reflects on the inevitability of fate and the intertwining of personal and collective histories. The speaker's acknowledgment of their relationship's complexities suggests a deeper understanding of love's burdens and the societal structures that influence it. The closing lines reinforce the idea that love, while beautiful, can lead to chaos and loss, much like the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities. Overall, the work presents a nuanced examination of love's interplay with societal expectations, using rich imagery and historical references to convey the weight of emotional experiences against the backdrop of everyday life.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1931 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Social Commentary · 134 words

First lines

We talk of taxes, and I call you friend;

Well, such you are,-but well enough we know

How thick about us root, how rankly grow

Those subtle weeds no man has need to tend, / That flourish through neglect, and soon must send

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We Talk of Taxes is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1931 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1931 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Social Commentary, Modernism, Lyric
Length: 134 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Romanticism — Themes of love and passion are central, reflecting romantic ideals.
Social Commentary — The poem discusses societal issues, particularly taxes, as a metaphor for deeper human experiences.
Modernism — The poem exhibits modernist traits through its exploration of complex emotions and relationships.