The Day Millicent Found the World by William Stafford

Apparently I haven't done this poem yet. I've read it several times but I've never blogged about it. This poem is one of my favorites. It is easy to read because it is laid out like a story. The language is fairly easy to understand, which is extremely nice. I liked the overall theme of the poem too. I think it was about coming of age. The woods are a metaphor for life. Everyone eventually has to go off and explore on their own. I see Millicent as a shy person. She explores slowly with a safety line of being able to see the edge of the forest. Some people I know wouldn't bother and would jump right in. I think I'm a bit more like Millicent, a bit more attached to my home. I think in the middle stanza, Millicent discovers the sense of freedom that goes with being on your own. It is very tempting, but her Aunt calls her back, "that time". This implies that Millicent eventually grew up completely and went off on her own. The poem as a whole has the element of childish discovery. This, I think, is what makes the poem so relatable. Everyone remembers that feeling of astonishment and wonder from their childhood. In some ways, I hope Millicent never grows up. I hope that she is constantly astonished by the new things life brings her. This hope is a bit reflective of my hopes for life. We'll see how it turns out.