Books That Inspire 2005
 
Collected Poems: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Edna St. Vincent Millay


The Poetry of Edna Saint Vincent Millay has brightened my life for many years. The closing lines of her poems can bring tears to my eyes or a smile to my heart – and always give pause for thought.

For example, in the last lines of her poem entitled Lament, she writes of a young mother speaking to her young children after the death of their father:

* * *
Life must go on
And the dead be forgotten
Life must go on, tho good men die.
Anne eat your breakfast
Dan take your medicine
Life must go on,
I forget just why.

Or, in an amusing short thought in another poem:

My candle burns at both ends –
It shall not last the night
But oh my friend and
Oh my foes –
It makes a lovely light.

I commend to you these and so many other wonderful thoughts contained in this volume of her wonderful works. Her poems will enrich your life.
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Andrew Coats
Dean, College of Law
Law Center