First Fig by Edna St. Vincent Millay

This week's poem is a small, perfect one from Millay that recently made the news. Heath Ledger's father mentioned it (thinking it was Tennyson's), reflecting on his son's life. It seems a fitting tribute.


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.





Edna St. Vincent Millay was born in Rockland, ME in 1892. Her fourth book of poetry, The Harp Weaver, earned her the Pulitzer Prize. She was openly bisexual, which sheds some light on the otherwise mysterious title here.