1. Longing: The poem opens with the line "The railroad track is miles away," immediately establishing a sense of distance and longing. The speaker is drawn to the railroad track as a symbol of travel and escape from the mundane. The repetition of the phrase "I must go" reinforces this longing and sense of urgency to embark on a journey.
2. Wanderlust: Millay's use of imagery evokes a strong sense of wanderlust and the desire to explore. She mentions various places, including the "blue harbor" and the "mountain pass," each representing different landscapes and adventures waiting to be discovered. The speaker's eagerness to leave behind the familiar and embrace new experiences is palpable.
3. Restlessness: The poem conveys a sense of restlessness that drives the speaker to seek out new horizons. Millay's use of words like "gypsy feet," "restless heart," and "wild blood" suggests a spirit that cannot be contained or confined. There is an implied desire for freedom and liberation, motivating the speaker to break away from the ordinary.
4. Connection with Nature: Millay's poem also reveals a deep connection between the speaker and the natural world. She personifies the railroad track, describing it as "lonely" and "calling." This connection to nature adds a layer of emotional depth to the poem, as if the speaker is yearning not just for physical movement but also for a deeper spiritual union with the world outside.
Overall, Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Travel" evokes strong emotions of longing, wanderlust, restlessness, and a profound connection with nature, capturing the essence of a soul yearning to break free and explore the world.