Edna St. Vincent Millay
As the afternoon sun of February heralds the approach of spring and the forthcoming summer, it is a fitting day to commemorate the birthday of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Born on February 22nd, 1892, Millay’s enduring legacy as an American poet and champion of feminism continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world. Her contributions to lyrical poetry and her unyielding dedication to exploring themes of love and the human experience are celebrated on this special day, reaffirming her enduring place in literary history.
Throughout her life, Millay made significant contributions as a celebrated feminist and a prominent figure in New York City during the Roaring Twenties and beyond. Her achievements include being the first woman and the second person to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1923, an accolade she earned for her remarkable poem “Ballad of the Harp-Weaver.”
In addition to her literary accomplishments, Millay was also known for her bohemian lifestyle and her outspokenness on social and political issues. She remains a significant figure in American literary history, revered for her contributions to poetry and her role in shaping the cultural landscape of her time.
Celebrate the Birthday of Edna St. Vincent Millay with me by reciting her poem “Afternoon on a Hill”
I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
I will look at cliffs and clouds
With quiet eyes,
Watch the wind bow down the grass,
And the grass rise.
And when lights begin to show
Up from the town,
I will mark which must be mine,
And then start down!
Rebecca's Reading Room 
What a peaceful feeling I get from this poem. I particularly like “I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.”
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Many thanks for stopping by and celebrating Edna’s birthday with me, Liz. This poem always gives me a lift to my spirits. I would love to recite “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver” but it is a daunting piece. I would break down in tears in the middle! Yikes. This is Edna reciting it:
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You’re welcome, Rebecca. I just listened to “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver.” I had the awful feeling that the mother would die as she played her harp. A heartbreaking illustration of poverty.
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Love the poem, your recitation, and the informative post, Rebecca!
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I am delighted that you enjoyed Edna’s poem. Thank you for celebrating her birthday with me. You would be very interested in knowing the connection between Edna and Mary Oliver.
The need to escape her home situation was so strong that Mary Oliver wrote to the sister of the recently deceased poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and must have found a common bond. Norma Millay resided in Austerlitz, New York at Steepletop, the home she shared with her sister. Following Edna’s sudden passing at 58 from a heart attack, Mary Oliver assisted Norma in organizing Edna’s papers at the same residence. Edna’s Pulitzer Prize-winning poem, “The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver,” left a lasting influence on Oliver during her time at Steepletop.
I love knowing the backstory. I have a feeling that Edna would agree with Mary when she wrote: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
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That is really fascinating information, Rebecca. Thank you!
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Hi Rebecca, a delightful poem. I am sure you’ve read this poets work before.
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I have, Robbie. Edna is one of my favourite poets. I know that you would enjoy Nancy Milford’s biography of Edna – Savage Beauty.
Edna mesmerized audiences with her enchanting voice and left a lasting impression on all who encountered her. Despite her public allure, Millay’s personal life was marked by complex family dynamics, described by Milford as a “family romance” due to the intense yet perilous bond shared among the Millay sisters and their mother. Resembling a modern-day version of “Little Women” with a hint of “Mommie Dearest,” the Millay family’s relationships were intricate and emotionally charged.
Many thanks for stopping by to celebrate Edna’s birthday!!
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Hi Rebecca, the family dynamic is fascinating. I’ll look for the book 🦋
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Wonderful Rebecca and Edna sounds like an amazing women we would all have been lucky to meet. An inspiration the poem is a delight ♥
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I am thrilled that you celebrated Edna’s birthday with me, Sally! Can you imagine what it would be like to live in the jazz age?! It must have been an exhilarating experience, characterized by cultural dynamism, artistic innovation, and social change. The vibrant music scene, the rise of iconic figures like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington which has been featured on your blog magazine – William Price Kings’s Music Column.
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I guess it is an age I am most drawn to as my parents love the music and era so it was played in our house a lot when I was growing up.. and the big bands of the 40s. I rather liked the fashions too. ♥
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To my shame, I’ve never heard of this poet. Thanks for the introduction.
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My dear friend, Margaret – there are so many poets that I have yet to discover. It is truly a treasure hunt into the past. Thank you for celebrating Edna’s birthday with me.
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