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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


INLAND by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: PEOPLE THAT BUILD THEIR HOUSES INLAND
Last Line: ONE SALT TASTE OF THE SEA ONCE MORE?
Subject(s): SEA; OCEAN;

PEOPLE that build their houses inland,
People that buy a plot of ground
Shaped like a house, and build a house there,
Far from the sea-board, far from the sound

Of water sucking the hollow ledges,
Tons of water striking the shore,­
What do they long for, as I long for
One salt smell of the sea once more?

People the waves have not awakened,
Spanking the boats at the harbor's head,
What do they long for, as I long for, --
Starting up in my inland bed,



Beating the narrow walls, and finding

Neither a window nor a door,

Screaming to God for death by drowning,­

One salt taste of the sea once more?





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