What lips my lips have kissed

Edna St. Vincent Millay's What lips my lips have kissed

Introduction

Edna St. Vincent Millay's sonnet "What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why" stands as a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the passage of time. This poem, published in 1920, exemplifies Millay's mastery of the sonnet form while delving into themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. Through a careful analysis of its structure, imagery, and thematic elements, we can uncover the layers of meaning woven into this deceptively simple yet profoundly moving piece of literature.

Structure and Form

Millay's adherence to the Petrarchan sonnet form is both traditional and subversive. The poem consists of fourteen lines, divided into an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines). This structure allows Millay to present a problem or situation in the octave and then offer a resolution or reflection in the sestet. However, Millay's use of this form is not merely conventional; she employs it to mirror the very themes she explores.

The rhyme scheme (ABBAABBA CDEDCE) reflects the circular nature of memory and loss. The repetition in the octave's rhyme pattern echoes the cyclical nature of relationships and experiences, while the shift in the sestet's rhyme scheme parallels the speaker's transition from specific memories to a more generalized reflection on loss.

Imagery and Symbolism

Millay's imagery is rich and evocative, beginning with the sensual recollection of past lovers. The opening line, "What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why," immediately establishes the poem's central concern with memory and physical intimacy. The repetition of "lips" emphasizes the sensuality of these forgotten encounters, while the questions of "where" and "why" hint at the speaker's current state of disconnection from these memories.

The transition from the physical to the metaphysical is masterfully executed through the introduction of rain and ghosts in the fourth line. This shift in imagery from the tangible (lips, arms) to the intangible (ghosts, rain) mirrors the fading of memories and the ethereal nature of past experiences. The ghosts that "tap and sigh / Upon the glass and listen for reply" serve as a haunting metaphor for the lingering presence of past lovers and the speaker's inability to fully reconnect with them.

The final sestet introduces the powerful image of the "lonely tree" in winter, a symbol that encapsulates the speaker's emotional state. This metaphor is multifaceted, representing not only the speaker's isolation but also the natural progression of life and seasons. The tree, like the speaker, stands bereft of its former vitality (represented by birds and leaves), yet retains an awareness of its loss.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, this sonnet grapples with the themes of memory, loss, and the inexorable passage of time. The speaker's inability to recall specific details of past lovers ("I have forgotten") is not merely a lament for lost memories but a profound meditation on the transient nature of human experiences and connections.

The poem's exploration of memory is nuanced, acknowledging both the fading of specific recollections and the persistent emotional impact of past experiences. This duality is captured in the lines "And in my heart there stirs a quiet pain / For unremembered lads that not again / Will turn to me at midnight with a cry." The "quiet pain" suggests a lingering emotional resonance even as the details of these encounters have faded from memory.

Millay's treatment of loss extends beyond personal relationships to encompass a broader sense of youth and vitality. The final lines, "I only know that summer sang in me / A little while, that in me sings no more," poignantly express the recognition of life's fleeting nature. The metaphor of summer singing within the speaker beautifully encapsulates the vibrancy and passion of youth, while its cessation represents the inevitable progression towards a more somber phase of life.

The poem also touches on themes of identity and self-perception. The speaker's reflection on past experiences and their current emotional state reveals a process of self-discovery and acceptance. The acknowledgment of what has been lost is tempered by a growing understanding of the self, as evidenced by the shift from specific memories to a more generalized awareness of change.

Literary Devices and Technique

Millay's mastery of poetic technique is evident throughout the sonnet. The use of alliteration, as in "lips my lips" and "tap and sigh," creates a musical quality that enhances the poem's emotional impact. The repetition of "I" throughout the poem emphasizes the personal nature of the reflection while also highlighting the speaker's isolation.

The poet's use of enjambment, particularly in the octave, creates a sense of flow and continuity that mirrors the fluidity of memory. This technique also serves to build tension, which is then resolved in the more end-stopped lines of the sestet.

Millay's diction is carefully chosen to evoke both sensuality and melancholy. Words like "kiss," "lain," and "midnight" in the octave create an atmosphere of intimate encounters, while "ghosts," "lonely," and "silent" in the latter part of the poem shift the tone towards one of loss and reflection.

Historical and Biographical Context

While it is important to approach the poem primarily as a work of art in its own right, considering its historical and biographical context can provide additional layers of interpretation. Written in the aftermath of World War I and during the cultural upheaval of the 1920s, the poem reflects a broader societal grappling with loss and change.

Millay's own life experiences, including her unconventional views on love and sexuality, may have informed the poem's frank discussion of past relationships. However, the universal themes and emotions expressed in the sonnet transcend any specific biographical details, allowing readers across time and cultures to find resonance in its lines.

Conclusion

"What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why" stands as a testament to Edna St. Vincent Millay's poetic prowess and her ability to distill complex human experiences into fourteen lines of verse. Through its masterful use of form, vivid imagery, and profound thematic exploration, the poem offers a meditation on memory, loss, and the passage of time that continues to resonate with readers.

The sonnet's power lies in its ability to capture the bittersweet nature of remembering and forgetting, the simultaneous pain and beauty of past experiences, and the inevitable progression of life. Millay's work invites us to reflect on our own memories, the fleeting nature of youth, and the quiet dignity found in acknowledging what has been lost while continuing to stand, like the lonely tree in winter, resilient in the face of change.

In its exploration of these universal themes, Millay's sonnet transcends its specific context to speak to the human condition more broadly. It reminds us of the enduring power of poetry to articulate the ineffable aspects of our existence, offering solace and understanding in the face of life's inevitable losses and transformations.