You Say by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Name: You Say
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, suffering, and the harsh realities of life. The speaker reflects on the difficulties and cruelties inherent in their relationship, suggesting that their love is burdened by external judgments and internal conflicts. The imagery of a sea-gull's nest symbolizes a more natural and nurturing environment, contrasting sharply with the bleakness of their own situation. The speaker acknowledges the tenderness of their partner, which is met with scorn, indicating a complex dynamic where affection is intertwined with pain. The mention of being "too devious" and "too surrendered" highlights feelings of inadequacy and a sense of being lost or out of place. The speaker's plea for silence from the "tortured voice" suggests a desire to escape the emotional turmoil and the weight of expectations. Ultimately, the poem captures the struggle between love and despair, illustrating how external circumstances can overshadow personal connections. The closing lines convey a resignation to the inevitability of separation, emphasizing the tension between longing and the harsh truths of their existence.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 154 words

First lines

You say: "Since life is cruel enough at best; " You say: "Considering how our love is cursed, And housed so bleakly that the sea-gull's nest

Were better shelter, even as better nursed

Between the breaker and the stingy reeds

Ragged and coarse that hiss against the sand

What this Textopian page supports

You Say 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Lyrical, Existentialism
Length: 154 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love, suffering, and existential reflection, characteristic of Millay's poetic style.
Romanticism — The poem delves into the complexities of love and emotional turmoil, aligning with Romantic themes of passion and individual experience.
Modernism — The poem's introspective nature and focus on personal emotion reflect Modernist tendencies in literature.
Lyrical — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts in a musical and expressive manner, typical of lyrical poetry.