Sapphics by Helen Hay Whitney (1893)
The collection explores themes of love, loss, and identity through a series of lyrical poems that examine the complexities of human relationships. The speaker navigates the tension between desire and restraint, often finding herself torn between the allure of passion and the comfort of convention. Through her use of imagery and metaphor, she creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, drawing the reader into her inner world.
By Helen Hay Whitney · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Classical · 77 words
First lines
Leave the Vine, Ah Love, and the wreath of myrtle, Leave the Song, to die, on the lips of laughter, Come, for love is faint with the choric measure, Weary of waiting.
Down the sky in lines of pellucid amber Blows the hair of her whom the gods have treasured, Fair, more fair is mine in the ring of maidens, Mine for the taking.
What this Textopian page supports
Sapphics is listed on Textopian as a poem by Helen Hay Whitney, dated 1893 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Helen Hay Whitney
- Date: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Classical, Lyric
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Sapphics by Helen Hay Whitney
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Sapphics?
- How does this poem by Helen Hay Whitney fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Ring by Langston Hughes
- At The Grave Of Heine by Olive Tilford Dargan
- Where by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Pent by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Music by Ranier Maria Rilke
- Subway Face by Langston Hughes
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in a poetic form, utilizing meter and lyrical language.
- Romance — Themes of love and desire are central to the text.
- Classical — The use of classical references and style is evident in the language and imagery.
- Lyric — The work expresses personal emotions and thoughts in a musical manner.
Tags
Poetry Collection · Verse Forms · Sapphic Stanzas · Greek Influence · Classical Literature · Literary Analysis · Formal Poetry · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allusion
More by Helen Hay Whitney
- Sonnets (1905)
- Songs (1905)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE DAYS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE EVERLASTING SNOWS (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THRONE AND ALTAR (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: EAST AND WEST (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: THE BATTLE (1898)
- Some Verses: Sonnets: WATER AND WINE (1898)
- All works by Helen Hay Whitney