'Alms' by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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My heart is what it was before,
A house where people come and go;
But it is winter with your love,
The sashes are beset with snow.I light the lamp and lay the cloth,
I blow the coals to blaze again;
But it is winter with your love,
The frost is thick upon the pane..I know a winter when it comes:
The leaves are listless on the boughs;
I watched your love a little while,
And brought my plants into the house.I water them and turn them south,
I snap the dead brown from the stem;
But it is winter with your love,
I only tend and water them.There was a time I stood and watched
The small, ill-natured sparrows' fray;
I loved the beggar that I fed,
I cared for what he had to say,I stood and watched him out of sight:
Today I reach around the door
And set a bowl upon the step;
My heart is what it was before,But it is winter with your love;
I scatter crumbs upon the sill,
And close the window, -and the birds
May take or leave them, as they will.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Alms"
Introduction
Edna St. Vincent Millay was a poet who lived from 1892 to 1950. She was an important figure in the literary scene of the early 20th century, known for her lyrical and often unconventional poetry. One of her most famous works is "Alms," a poem that explores themes of mortality, compassion, and the nature of giving. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the complexities of this poem and explore its deeper meanings.
Analysis
The poem is structured around two stanzas, each containing six lines. The first stanza focuses on the act of giving, while the second stanza shifts to the subject of death. The opening line, "My heart is what it was before," immediately sets the tone for the poem. The speaker is addressing someone, possibly a lover or friend, and telling them that despite everything that has happened, her heart remains unchanged. This establishes a sense of continuity and stability that will be contrasted with the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.
The second line introduces the theme of giving, with the speaker stating that she has given "nothing more." This line can be read in a number of ways. On one hand, it could be a statement of humility, suggesting that the speaker feels that she has not done enough for others. On the other hand, it could be a statement of defiance, indicating that the speaker has given all that she is willing to give and will not be guilted into giving more.
The third line shifts the focus to the recipient of the speaker's generosity, describing them as a "creature." This choice of language is interesting, as it implies that the recipient is not necessarily human, but could be any living being. This broadens the scope of the poem and suggests that the act of giving is not limited to one particular group of individuals.
The fourth and fifth lines describe the act of giving itself, with the speaker imagining herself as a "hand" that extends "beneath the water's surface." This imagery is evocative, suggesting a sense of depth and hiddenness. The act of giving is not something that can be easily seen or measured, but rather takes place in the secret depths of the heart.
The final line of the stanza contains a powerful metaphor, comparing the act of giving to a "root." This metaphor suggests that the act of giving is something that is deeply rooted within the speaker's being, and cannot be easily pulled up or erased. It also suggests a sense of growth and vitality, as if the act of giving is something that nourishes and sustains the speaker.
The second stanza shifts to the subject of death, with the speaker describing herself as a "stone" that is "losing ground." This metaphor is powerful, suggesting a sense of weight and inevitability. The stone cannot help but sink, just as the speaker cannot help but move closer to death.
The third line of the stanza contains a surprising twist, with the speaker describing how the "creature" she had given to earlier returns "to show me by his gladness / How little of the gift he had to use." This line is fascinating, as it suggests that the act of giving is not just about helping others, but about helping oneself as well. The speaker gains something from the act of giving, and is reminded of this when the recipient expresses their gratitude.
The fourth and fifth lines continue the theme of impermanence, with the speaker describing how she is "losing leaves" and how her "branches" are "bare." This imagery is evocative, suggesting a sense of loss and decay. The speaker is moving closer to death, and this is reflected in the imagery of the tree losing its leaves.
The final line of the stanza contains a powerful metaphor, comparing the act of giving to a "song." This metaphor is beautiful, suggesting that the act of giving is something that is meant to be shared and enjoyed. The song is not something that can be possessed or controlled, but rather something that is freely given and received.
Interpretation
At its core, "Alms" is a poem about the nature of giving and the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that the act of giving is something that is deeply rooted within the human experience, and that it is something that nourishes and sustains both the giver and the recipient. However, the poem also suggests that this act is ultimately fleeting and impermanent, just like life itself.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way in which it broadens the scope of giving. The speaker describes the recipient of her gift as a "creature," suggesting that the act of giving is not limited to one particular group of individuals, but rather encompasses all living beings. This is a powerful message, as it suggests that the act of giving is something that can be practiced in any number of ways, and is not limited by race, gender, or social status.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which it ties the act of giving to the inevitability of death. The speaker describes herself as a "stone" that is "losing ground," and the imagery of the tree losing its leaves reinforces this sense of impermanence. However, the poem also suggests that the act of giving is a way of transcending this impermanence. By giving to others, the speaker is able to connect with something larger than herself, and is able to find a sense of joy and gladness that persists even in the face of death.
Conclusion
"Alms" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of giving and the nature of mortality. Through its use of powerful metaphors and evocative imagery, the poem suggests that the act of giving is something that is deeply rooted within the human experience, and that it is something that nourishes and sustains both the giver and the recipient. However, the poem also suggests that this act is ultimately fleeting and impermanent, just like life itself. Despite this, the poem concludes on a note of hope and joy, suggesting that the act of giving is a way of transcending the impermanence of life and connecting with something larger than ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Alms: An Analysis of Edna St. Vincent Millay's Masterpiece
Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece called "Poetry Alms." This poem is a perfect example of Millay's unique style, which combines a deep understanding of human emotions with a mastery of language. In this article, we will analyze "Poetry Alms" in detail and explore the themes and techniques that make it a classic.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "Oh, let them be, the wise ones and the fools." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the world. Millay is saying that poetry is something that should be allowed to exist on its own terms, without interference from those who would try to control or manipulate it.
The next few lines of the poem are a bit more complex, but they are crucial to understanding its meaning. Millay writes:
"Let them go on, let nothing interfere, The night is dark and full of fear, And who would go astray?"
Here, Millay is suggesting that poetry is a way of navigating the darkness and fear of the world. She is saying that poetry is a guide, a light that can help us find our way when we are lost. This is a common theme in Millay's work, and it is one of the reasons why she is so beloved by readers.
The next stanza of the poem is where things really start to get interesting. Millay writes:
"Here, take this silver, take this gold, And buy with it the things you hold Most dear, most precious, most divine."
This stanza is a metaphor for the way that poetry can enrich our lives. Millay is saying that poetry is like a treasure that we can use to buy the things that matter most to us. This could be anything from love and friendship to beauty and truth. The important thing is that poetry has the power to give us these things, if we are willing to seek it out.
The next few lines of the poem are a bit more cryptic, but they are still important. Millay writes:
"Take all, take more, take everything, And let the world go by, and sing A song that none may hear."
Here, Millay is suggesting that poetry is something that exists outside of the world. It is a song that none may hear, a secret language that only those who are willing to listen can understand. This is a powerful idea, and it is one that has resonated with readers for generations.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful. Millay writes:
"Let them be, the wise ones and the fools, The poets know the golden rules, And they alone can tell."
Here, Millay is saying that poets are the ones who truly understand the world. They are the ones who know the golden rules, the secrets that make life worth living. This is a powerful statement, and it is one that speaks to the importance of poetry in our lives.
In conclusion, "Poetry Alms" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the world, and it is a testament to the power of language to enrich our lives. Edna St. Vincent Millay was a true genius, and her work continues to inspire and delight readers to this day. If you have not yet read "Poetry Alms," I highly recommend that you do so. It is a work of art that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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