Come by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the transient nature of life. It opens with an invitation to a beloved, evoking imagery of a serene spring evening illuminated by the moon. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for connection, emphasizing the urgency of seizing moments of intimacy before they fade away. The metaphor of life as a "frail moth" suggests vulnerability and the inevitability of time's passage. The contrast between the warmth of human connection and the cold permanence of death is stark, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of existence. The imagery of "gray stones in the grass" symbolizes the eventual stillness and loss that awaits all living beings. Throughout the work, there is a palpable tension between desire and mortality. The speaker's call to the beloved is both a celebration of love and a poignant reminder of its impermanence. The poem captures the essence of human experience, urging the reader to embrace love and life fully, despite their ephemeral qualities. The emotional depth and vivid imagery create a resonant exploration of the interplay between passion and the passage of time.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry · 89 words
First lines
COME, when the pale moon like a petal Floats in the pearly dusk of spring, Come with arms outstretched to take me, Come with lips pursed up to cling.
Come, for life is a frail moth flying Caught in the web of the years that pass, And soon we two, so warm and eager Will be as the gray stones in the grass.
What this Textopian page supports
Come 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, Nature Poetry, Existential Poetry, Imagist Poetry
- Length: 89 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Come by Sara Teasdale
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Come?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and longing are central, aligning with the romantic genre.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of the moon and spring reflects a connection to nature.
- Existential Poetry — Explores themes of life, mortality, and the passage of time.
Tags
love · longing · nature · spring · moon · yearning · transience · mortality · intimacy · desire · fleeting · romance