"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!"
About this Quote
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s lines, “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!” evoke a vivid image of a life lived intensely, with passion and purpose, despite knowing such energy cannot be sustained indefinitely. The candle burning at both ends becomes a metaphor for expending oneself rapidly, embracing experiences, work, love, and pleasure without moderation. Millay acknowledges the inevitable brevity of such a life: burning a candle at both ends necessarily means it melts away twice as fast and will not endure as long as if it were used with restraint.
There’s no lament in the loss, but rather a celebration of brilliance in the time available. The poet addresses both foes and friends, indicating an awareness of onlookers, some who might criticize or fear for her, others who might envy or enjoy her glow. Both groups, however, are united in witnessing her “lovely light.” The emphasis is not on longevity, but on beauty, intensity, and the impression left behind.
Millay suggests value in a fleeting, incandescent existence over a long, dim one. The poetic voice rejects conventional wisdom urging caution and conservation, preferring instead the “lovely light” of fervor and authenticity. There is defiance in embracing the high cost of such living and in refusing to regret what cannot be sustained. Mortality is accepted, almost welcomed, as a natural counterweight to passion.
Yet, embedded within this stance is poignancy, a recognition that those who shine brightest may vanish soonest, but their impact lingers. The poem celebrates a life that, while brief, is memorable and meaningful. The candle, though short-lived, illuminates more intensely for its unsparing blaze, leaving those who watch, friends and adversaries alike, awed by its ephemeral brilliance.
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