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1892–1950

VII

Edna St. Vincent Millay

When I too long have looked upon your face, Wherein for me a brightness unobscured Save by the mists of brightness has its place, And terrible beauty not to be endured,

I turn away reluctant from your light, And stand irresolute, a mind undone, A silly, dazzled thing deprived of sight From having looked too long upon the sun.

Then is my daily life a narrow room In which a little while, uncertainly, Surrounded by impenetrable gloom, Among familiar things grown strange to me

Making my way, I pause, and feel, and hark, Till I become accustomed to the dark.

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VII · Edna St. Vincent Millay · Poetry Cove