Appraisal by Sara Teasdale (1926)
The poem explores the complexities of love, emphasizing that it is not blind or unconditional. The speaker asserts that while love exists, it is accompanied by an awareness of the beloved's flaws and imperfections. These faults are metaphorically stored away, suggesting a conscious acknowledgment rather than denial. The imagery of old flags and frayed garments illustrates the wear and tear of the beloved's character, hinting at past struggles and vulnerabilities. Despite these imperfections, the speaker highlights the value of the beloved's positive traits. The proud will and determination are likened to the rising tide, indicating strength and resilience. The poem also touches on the depth of emotional experience, with references to gentleness and humor, suggesting that these qualities enrich the relationship. The tenderness described is profound, indicating that true love encompasses both admiration and acceptance of flaws. Overall, the work presents a nuanced view of love, recognizing that it is a blend of appreciation and critical awareness, where the beauty of connection outweighs the imperfections.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 180 words
First lines
Never think she loves him wholly, / Never believe her love is blind, / All his faults are locked securely / In a closet of her mind; / All his indecisions folded / Like old flags that time has faded, / Limp and streaked with rain, / And his cautiousness like garments / Frayed and thin, with many a stain -- / Let them be, oh let them be, / There is treasure to outweigh them, / His proud will that sharply stirred, / Climbs as surely as the tide, / Senses strained too taut to sleep, / Gentleness to beast and bird, / Humor flickering hushed and wide / As the moon on moving water, / And a tenderness too deep / To be gathered in a word.
What this Textopian page supports
Appraisal is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Philosophical
- Length: 180 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love, perception, and emotional complexity through lyrical language.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic ideals, focusing on deep emotional connections and the nuances of love.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The poem employs modernist themes of introspection and subjective experience in love.
Tags
love · relationships · appraisal · human emotions · complexity · perception · faults · tenderness · humor · gentleness · indecision · pride