"Oh, Edna!" The Best 101 poems of Edna St. Vincent Millay 1917 - 1923
- Mar 5
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 6
If you believe the name "Edna" sounds old-fashioned, you haven’t yet met the woman who defined the roaring twenties.
At SomeThink Publications, we are thrilled to announce our latest release: "Oh, Edna!" — a curated collection of the best poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
For many, the first encounter with Millay happens by chance—perhaps stumbling upon her defiant "First Fig" or the staggering, soulful depth of "Renascence." For me, it began decades ago in a university library, falling headlong for a voice that felt strikingly modern despite being written a century ago.
FIRST FIG My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night; But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends— It gives a lovely light!
Why Millay Matters Today
Edna St. Vincent Millay was a poetic prodigy and a provocateur. She was a woman strikingly ahead of her time, whose verse was—and often still is—deemed "shocking." She didn't just write poetry; she lived it with a burning intensity that earned her the Pulitzer Prize and made her a household name.
In this volume, we have gathered the top Edna St. Vincent Millay poems to showcase the full range of her genius. Whether she is exploring the weight of infinity or the "puny fever" of human love, her work remains a masterclass in the discipline of compression.
Inside the Collection
This isn’t just another Edna St. Vincent Millay anthology. We have meticulously organized her work into a "Themed Selection" to help readers navigate her complex sensibilities.
The Power of the Short Poem: From the bright, eight-line flares that made her famous to her mastery of the Millay sonnet, every line is cut down to its living edge.
A Journey Through Her Major Works: Featuring essential selections from her most iconic early collections, including:
Renascence and Other Poems (1917)
A Few Figs from Thistles (1920)
Second April (1921)
The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver (1922)
Timeless Themes: The collection explores love, time, joy, faith, loss, and awakening—poems that can be read in a breath but carried quietly through a life.
Feed Your Soul with Edna St Vincent Millay's Poetry
Whether you are looking for the best of Edna St. Vincent Millay to add to your own library or seeking a meaningful poetry gift book for a loved one, Oh, Edna! offers both blossoms and sustenance.
"Oh, Edna!" is now available in a beautiful 5.5 x 8.5" hardcover edition.
TIME DOES NOT BRING RELIEF Time does not bring relief; you all have lied Who told me time would ease me of my pain! I miss him in the weeping of the rain; I want him at the shrinking of the tide; The old snows melt from every mountain-side, And last year's leaves are smoke in every lane; But last year's bitter loving must remain Heaped on my heart, and my old thoughts abide! There are a hundred places where I fear To go,—so with his memory they brim! And entering with relief some quiet place Where never fell his foot or shone his face I say, "There is no memory of him here!" And so stand stricken, so remembering him!
FAQs about Edna St. Vincent Millay
Who was Edna St Vincent Millay?
Edna St. Vincent Millay was born in the beautiful state of Maine in 1892, a place famous for its stunning coastline and natural charm, which later inspired her poetry. Even as a child, Millay was an avid writer, and in 1912, while still a teenager, she made an impact on the literary scene with her amazing poem "Renascence." This piece highlighted her lyrical talent and emotional depth, marking the start of her rise to fame. "Renascence," with its themes of self-discovery and human experience, struck a chord with readers and critics, establishing Millay as a major voice in American poetry.
After her early success, Millay moved to the lively and culturally rich Greenwich Village in New York City. During the Jazz Age, this area was a hotspot for artists, writers, and thinkers, buzzing with cultural energy and change. In Greenwich Village, Millay became a key figure in the bohemian scene, embracing the era's vibe of freedom and experimentation. She was a vocal supporter of feminist ideas, using her poetry and public presence to challenge social norms and fight for women's rights. Her boldness and unique style made her a symbol of the progressive movements of her time, inspiring many to embrace their true selves and chase their dreams without hesitation.
Millay's home, the Steepletop estate in Austerlitz, New York, became a haven for her creative work. This beautiful estate, set in the peaceful countryside, was the backdrop for much of her writing and is filled with her poetic spirit. After she passed away in 1950, Steepletop turned into a pilgrimage spot for fans of her work. People visit not only to honor Millay's literary contributions but also to soak in the tranquil environment that sparked some of her deepest poetry. The estate is a testament to her legacy, keeping alive the memory of a woman who broke the mold and whose voice still echoes in today's conversations about art, feminism, and individuality. Nowadays, Steepletop is more than just a historical site; it's a celebration of Millay's life and a lasting reminder of her impact on American literature and culture.
What are the most famous Edna St Vincent Millay poems?
Edna St. Vincent Millay is renowned for several iconic works that defined the Jazz Age. Her most famous Edna St Vincent Millay poems include "First Fig" (known for the line "My candle burns at both ends"), "Renascence," and her deeply moving sonnets, such as "Sonnet XLIII" ("What lips my lips have kissed"). These pieces showcase her signature blend of traditional form and rebellious modern themes.
What themes are common in Edna St Vincent Millay poems?
When exploring Edna St Vincent Millay poems, you'll encounter powerful themes of female sexuality, fierce independence, the fleeting nature of youth, and profound grief. She masterfully contrasted the classical constraints of the sonnet form with progressive, bohemian attitudes toward love, life, and mortality.
Why did Edna St Vincent Millay poems become so popular during the Jazz Age?
Edna St Vincent Millay poems resonated deeply with the 1920s generation because they captured the spirit of the "New Woman." Her poetry openly addressed female desire, non-conformity, and an epicurean lifestyle, making her a literary celebrity and a voice for youthful liberation following World War I.
Which awards did Edna St Vincent Millay poems receive?
Edna St. Vincent Millay made history in 1923 by becoming the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, honoring her collection The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver. In 1943, she was awarded the prestigious Frost Medal from the Poetry Society of America for her lifetime contribution to American letters. Her lyrical mastery also earned her early recognition through the 1912 The Lyric Year prize and a continuous stream of critical acclaim that cemented her legacy.
How many volumes of poetry did Edna St. Vincent Millay write?
During her prolific career, Edna St. Vincent Millay published roughly 17 distinct volumes of poetry, including major collections, chapbooks, and verse plays. Her most influential standalone collections include Renascence and Other Poems (1917), A Few Figs from Thistles (1920), The Ballad of the Harp-Weaver (1922), and Fatal Interview (1931), which collectively established her mastery of both lyrical poetry and the sonnet form.
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