Edna St. Vincent Millay "What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why"
What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why,
I have forgotten, and what arms have lain
Under my head till morning’ but the rain
Is full of ghosts tonight,that tap and sigh
Upon the glass and listen for reply,
And in my heart there sits a quiet pain
For unremembered lads that not again
Will turn to me at midnight with a cry.
Thus in the winter stands the lonely tree,
Nor knows what birds have vanished one by one,
Yet knows its boughs more silent than before:
I cannot say what loves have come and gone,
I only know that summer sang in me
A little while, that in me sings no more.
This poem can be presented to anyone, anywhere and they should be able to relate in some fashion if they have been in more than one relationship in their lifetime. The speaker of this poem is expressing that there have been many people that have lain with here and placed their arm behind her head when sleeping. She had kissed many, regardless of reasoning. The speaker explains herself and being a lonely tree in the winter season. She does not count how many individuals have come and gone, but understands that they have left. She is left with silence in the end. She knows that love has come to her, but it may not stay due to her previous ventures. The reason why I chose this poem is because it is relatable. I can understand where this person is coming from because I have loved many, and have been left alone in silence.