Coney Island by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time through a winter landscape. The speaker questions the purpose of being in a desolate, cold place that once held warmth and joy. The imagery of white sand and icy winds evokes a stark contrast to the memories of summer, symbolizing the end of a vibrant phase in life. The speaker reflects on the futility of trying to recapture the past, as the doors that once opened to happiness are now closed, signifying lost opportunities and the inevitability of change. The repeated invitation to leave underscores a sense of resignation and the desire to escape the harsh reality of the present. The poem captures a poignant moment of reflection on what has been lost and the acceptance that some seasons cannot return.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 135 words
First lines
Why did you bring me here? The sand is white with snow, Over the wooden domes The winter sea-winds blow -- There is no shelter near, Come, let us go.
With foam of icy lace The sea creeps up the sand, The wind is like a hand That strikes us in the face. Doors that June set a-swing Are bolted long ago; We try them uselessly -- Alas, there cannot be For us a second spring; Come, let us go.
What this Textopian page supports
Coney Island 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, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Coney Island by Sara Teasdale
- 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 Coney Island?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of the sea, sand, and winter winds highlights the connection to nature.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of longing and nostalgia reflect the Romantic tradition.
- Modernist Poetry — The poem's structure and themes align with modernist explorations of time and memory.
Tags
Coney Island · Sara Teasdale · poetry · winter · sea · nature · melancholy · nostalgia · loss · shelter · isolation · transience