August Night by Sara Teasdale (1926)
The poem captures a serene midsummer night, where the speaker is led through a dark, wooded path by a companion. The atmosphere is rich with sensory details, particularly the scent of cedar and the beauty of the night sky filled with stars. The speaker experiences a deep connection to nature and life, feeling joy and contentment in the moment. As they walk, the companion points out a glow-worm, which symbolizes a small yet significant light in the darkness. This moment of wonder is enhanced by the glow-worm's brightness, which seems to respond to their presence. The reference to a line from Dante underscores themes of love and the interconnectedness of existence, suggesting that love is a guiding force in the universe. The poem explores themes of intimacy, nature, and the transcendent power of love, encapsulating a fleeting yet profound experience shared between two individuals under the vastness of the night sky. The imagery evokes a sense of peace and beauty, highlighting the significance of small moments in the larger tapestry of life.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1926 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry · 185 words
First lines
On a midsummer night, on a night that was eerie with stars, / In a wood too deep for a single star to look through, / You led down a path whose turnings you knew in the darkness, / But the scent of the dew-dripping cedars was all that I knew.
I drank of the darkness, I was fed with the honey of fragrance, / I was glad of my life, the drawing of breath was sweet; / I heard your voice, you said, "Look down, see the glow-worm! " / It was there before me, a small star white at my feet.
We watched while it brightened as though it were breathed on and / burning, / This tiny creature moving over earth's floor -- / "‘_L'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle_," / You said, and no more.
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem's focus on personal emotions and sensory experiences aligns it closely with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, beauty, and deep emotional connection reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of the natural world and its influence on human emotions is central to the poem.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the glow-worm and the night, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
nature · midsummer · night · stars · darkness · fragrance · cedars · glow-worm · life · beauty · love · mystery
What this Textopian page supports
August Night 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Imagism
- Length: 185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for August Night by Sara Teasdale
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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