First Fig and Other Poems

"First Fig and Other Poems" is an excellent collection of work by United States poet Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950). This volume is an unabridged republication of the contents of two of her books: the 1922 edition of "A Few Figs from Thistles: Poems and Sonnets," and "Second April" (1921). The book also contains a 5-page biographical introduction.These poems reveal a remarkable poetic voice: playful, bold, quirky, passionate, and sometimes melancholy. She often writes of romantic love from a woman's perspective. I read Millay (as exemplified by this book) as a sort of poetic "soul sister" to 19th century giant Emily Dickinson: they both share an irreverent spirit and a sensuous appreciation of the natural world.Millay was a master of traditional poetic forms; this volume contains several sonnets, as well as other poems in various patterns of meter and rhyme. Millay's genius is that she brings to these traditional forms a charm, wit, and freshness. Many of her poems incorporate classical and literary references: to Apollo, Sappho, Helen, Homer, Guinevere, etc. I especially like the several poems which evoke the sea and the coastline with stunning language. Consider these lines from "Exiled": "Wanting the sticky, salty sweetness / of the strong wind and shattered spray; / Wanting the loud sound and the soft sound / Of the big surf that breaks all day."Overall, this is a diverse and enjoyable gathering of poems. Another great standout is the fantasy-flavored "The Singing-Woman from the Wood's Edge," the first-person account of a being whose "mother was a leprechaun, whose father was a friar." I should also mention "Recuerdo," from whose lines I took the title of this review. Edna St. Vincent Millay is a remarkable poet, and I highly recommend "First Fig and Other Poems."

All 67 poems from "Second April" (1921) and "A Few Figs from Thistles" (1922) are collected in this book. You'll find cynical poems but also beautiful poems about nature. Edna St.Vincent Millay's gem like poems are worth to discover and you'll certainly enjoy them. Although they were created in the Jazz Age they are timeless and express feelings and thoughts that are common to us. Very recommendable collection!