Wraith

By Edna St. Vincent Millay

Narrative Poem
             "Thin Rain, whom are you haunting,                  That you haunt my door?"              --Surely it is not I she's wanting;                  Someone living here before--              "Nobody's in the house but me:              You may come in if you like and see."              Thin as thread, with exquisite fingers,--                  Have you seen her, any of you?--              Grey shawl, and leaning on the wind,                  And the garden showing through?              Glimmering eyes,--and silent, mostly,                  Sort of a whisper, sort of a purr,              Asking something, asking it over,                  If you get a sound from her.--              Ever see her, any of you?--                  Strangest thing I've ever known,--              Every night since I moved in,                  And I came to be alone.              "Thin Rain, hush with your knocking!                  You may not come in!              This is I that you hear rocking;                  Nobody's with me, nor has been!"              Curious, how she tried the window,--                  Odd, the way she tries the door,--              Wonder just what sort of people                  Could have had this house before . . .

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This hauntingly beautiful poem is a study in the exploration of solitude, memory, and the passage of time. The poem features the recurring figure of the 'Thin Rain', personified as a spectral presence. This poetic device imbues the poem with a palpable sense of melancholy and longing, an air of ghostly visitors from the past. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for past experiences or memories that persistently 'knock' on the door of consciousness.

The structure of the poem is characterized by an interesting dialogue between the speaker and the 'Thin Rain', which further contributes to the eerie atmosphere. The poet's use of descriptive language such as "Thin as thread, with exquisite fingers," and "Grey shawl, and leaning on the wind," paints an evocative picture of the 'Thin Rain'. The speaker's contemplation of who lived in the house before him suggests a curiosity about history and the stories that places hold within them. The tone is reflective and slightly melancholic, fitting for a poem that seems to be about solitude and the passage of time. The poem ends on a note of mystery and uncertainty, leaving the reader to ponder the nature of the 'Thin Rain' and the history of the house.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.