Millay portrayed the stages of a woman’s life with sensitivity and insight. In early lyrics such as “Travel,” which was published in 1921 when she was 29, she speaks in the voice of an adolescent girl living in the country. Like Millay, who grew up in Camden, Maine, the girl is surrounded by friends but longs for a life of love and adventure far from home.

                  -Holly Peppe, Literary Executor

Travel

The railroad track is miles away,
And the day is loud with voices speaking,
Yet there isn't a train goes by all day
But I hear its whistle shrieking.

All night there isn't a train goes by,
Though the night is still for sleep and dreaming,
But I see its cinders red on the sky,
And hear its engine steaming.

My heart is warm with friends I make,
And better friends I'll not be knowing;
Yet there isn't a train I wouldn't take,
No matter where it's going.