Dew by Sara Teasdale (1920)
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the fragility of dreams. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for a beloved, envisioning a relationship filled with truth and devotion. The imagery of rose-leaves holding dew symbolizes the delicate nature of hope and affection. The speaker warns against the dangers of excessive hope, likening the heart to a thirsty rose that may be disappointed by unattainable desires. The juxtaposition of beauty and vulnerability highlights the transient nature of love and the potential for heartbreak. The poem captures the essence of romantic idealism while acknowledging the risks involved in such emotional investments. The overall tone is one of wistfulness, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of love and the dreams that accompany it.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry · 66 words
First lines
I dream that he is mine, I dream that he is true, And all his words I keep As rose-leaves hold the dew.
O little thirsty rose, O little heart beware, Lest you should hope to hold A hundred roses' share.
What this Textopian page supports
Dew is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Imagist Poetry
- Length: 66 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dew 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 Dew?
- 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
- The Kiss by Robert Graves
- I Am Not Yours by Sara Teasdale
- Loves Apparition And Evanishment by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- Deep In The Night by Sara Teasdale
- The Kiss by Sara Teasdale
- Dooryard Roses by Sara Teasdale
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 nature, such as 'rose-leaves' and 'dew', is prominent in the poem.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like 'rose' and 'dew' conveys deeper meanings about love and desire.
Tags
dream · love · longing · desire · nature · metaphor · rose · dew · heart · thirst · hope · beauty