The poetic collection titled "If I Had Wheels or Love" weaves a tapestry of longing and aspiration through its namesake villanelle. The speaker imagines a realm where, "If I had wheels or love," life would be a joyous journey of endless creation. Yet, bound by reality, they remain present, striving to craft beauty within an imperfect world.

Legacy and Impact

Gathering the essence of eight prior works and uncollected pieces by American metaphysical poet Vassar Miller, this compilation emerges as a testament to her literary prowess. George Garrett introduces the anthology with reflections on the "genuinely religious experience, dealt with directly," which remains as impactful now as it was during Miller’s early days. Combining linguistic flair and a staunch Christian perspective, Miller’s work resonates with the likes of T.S. Eliot. The distinct elements of Texas upbringing and a lifelong physical challenge contribute to the poetic voice that earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1961 and international acclaim.

Early Life and Literary Journey

Houston-born in 1924, Miller’s life was intricately linked with Texas. From early childhood, cerebral palsy shaped her, restricting physical expression but sparking creativity through the typewriter her father brought home. Her early recognition was marked by a unique blend of defiance and acceptance in her poetry, a style she meticulously honed over four decades, adapting to the literary trends around her.

The Evolution of Style

Reading "If I Had Wheels or Love" offers a passage through postwar American poetic movements. Miller’s thematic core remains steadfast, yet her stylistic evolution mirrors the changing literary landscape. The 1950s poems exemplify era-specific precision, while the 1960s works adopt a more personal, "confessional" tone influenced by contemporaries like Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath. As the 1970s brought social consciousness to the forefront, the 1980s witnessed a re-embrace of formality. Miller successfully navigated between traditional and modern stylistic realms, maintaining a consistent pattern-driven approach throughout her career.

Paradox and Faith

Paradox is a recurring motif, especially in Miller’s early poetry. Her sonnets, reminiscent of John Donne, delve into the complex role of women, positioned between instinct and divinity. Christianity’s dual role of demanding and consoling is a prominent theme, alongside humanity’s tangled relationship with language. Many pieces are direct conversations with God, echoing Donne’s plea in "Batter My Heart, Three Person’d God." An illustrative work, "Paradox" from her debut collection "Adam’s Footprint," encapsulates this theme, with lines like "Mild yoke of Christ, most harsh to me not bearing."

Emotional Depth and Feminine Identity

As her poetry progresses, Miller’s work sheds some of its cerebral nature for more heartfelt expression. The struggles portrayed remain, yet the exploration of womanhood within a Christian context becomes more prominent. Take "Spinster’s Lullaby" from "My Bones Being Wiser," where the speaker, though childless, finds solace in comforting another, reflecting a broader sense of consolation.

Body and Spirit

Miller’s poetry often grapples with the corporeal, akin to Delmore Schwartz’s depiction of burdensome physicality in "The Heavy Bear Who Goes With Me." Her own body becomes a metaphorical creature, a "knotted fist" or "pig," questioning who will liberate her soul. Despite the body’s demands, it serves as a conduit to spiritual insight, as seen in "Pigself," where the body’s "lush poverty" enables the soul to articulate even divine truths.

Portraits of Unique Women

In her middle period, Miller celebrates distinctive, courageous women through her verse. "Onions and Roses" features tributes like "The Protestant Cemetery in Florence," offering a nuanced portrayal of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, whose personal struggles contrast with romanticized narratives. Similarly, "Remembering Aunt Helen" depicts an admirable woman whose love transcends conventional loneliness, affirming the individuality of virtue.