After Parting by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the enduring nature of emotional connections. The speaker expresses a deep, pervasive love that transcends physical separation. The imagery of sowing love suggests an act of planting feelings that will grow and be felt by the beloved in various forms, both in waking life and dreams. The speaker's love is depicted as a shadow, a constant presence that envelops the beloved, symbolizing how love can be both protective and haunting. The use of natural imagery, such as clouds and fire, conveys the duality of love—its gentleness and its intensity. The speaker's desire is infused into these elements, suggesting that love can manifest in different ways, influencing the beloved's thoughts and emotions. The poem captures the bittersweet essence of parting, where love remains vibrant despite physical distance. The speaker's hope is that their love will continue to resonate, providing comfort and warmth even when they are apart. Overall, the work reflects on the complexities of love, the pain of separation, and the belief in the lasting impact of deep emotional bonds. The speaker's commitment to their feelings is unwavering, emphasizing that true love can transcend time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the heart.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Imagist Poetry · 81 words
First lines
OH I have sown my love so wide That he will find it everywhere; It will awake him in the night, It will enfold him in the air.
I set my shadow in his sight And I have winged it with desire, That it may be a cloud by day And in the night a shaft of fire.
What this Textopian page supports
After Parting is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Imagist Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Confessional Poetry
- Length: 81 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for After Parting by Sara Teasdale
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and desire are central, aligning with the romantic poetry genre.
- Imagist Poetry — The vivid imagery and sensory details reflect the principles of imagist poetry.
- Modernist Poetry — The exploration of complex emotions and innovative language suggests modernist influences.
Tags
love · loss · longing · desire · nature · emotion · memory · yearning · shadow · night · fire · cloud