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1892–1950

Portrait by a Neighbor

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Before she has her floor swept Or her dishes done, Any day you'll find her A-sunning in the sun!

It's long after midnight Her key's in the lock, And you never see her chimney smoke Till past ten o'clock!

She digs in her garden With a shovel and a spoon, She weeds her lazy lettuce By the light of the moon,

She walks up the walk Like a woman in a dream, She forgets she borrowed butter And pays you back cream!

Her lawn looks like a meadow, And if she mows the place She leaves the clover standing And the Queen Anne's lace!

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Portrait by a Neighbor · Edna St. Vincent Millay · Poetry Cove