Doctors by Sara Teasdale (1933)
The poem explores the speaker's experience with illness and the presence of two personified figures, Pain and Death, who represent the medical and existential struggles faced by the speaker. The speaker lies awake at night and in bed during the day, indicating a state of suffering and helplessness. The dialogue between Pain and Death reflects the tension between the desire for a quick resolution to suffering and the inevitability of mortality. The speaker acknowledges the gravity of having such significant figures in their life, suggesting a mix of pride and despair. The scientific language used by the doctors emphasizes the clinical nature of their discussions, contrasting with the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker. The poem delves into themes of vulnerability, the human condition, and the intersection of life and death, ultimately highlighting the complex relationship between the individual and their suffering. As the poem progresses, the speaker's reflections deepen, revealing a sense of resignation to their fate. The interplay between hope for healing and acceptance of mortality becomes more pronounced, illustrating the internal conflict faced by those grappling with illness. The speaker's humility in the presence of Pain and Death underscores the universal nature of suffering and the shared human experience of confronting one's mortality. The work culminates in a poignant realization of the limitations of medical intervention and the inevitability of death. The speaker's journey through pain and the acceptance of their condition serves as a meditation on life, suffering, and the ultimate fate that awaits all individuals. The poem encapsulates the struggle between the desire for life and the acceptance of death, leaving the reader with a profound sense of the fragility of existence.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1933 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 101 words
First lines
EVERY night I lie awake And every day I lie abed And hear the doctors, Pain and Death, Conferring at my head.
They speak in scientific tones, Professional and low -- One argues for a speedy cure, The other, sure and slow.
To one so humble as myself It should be matter for some pride To have such noted fellows here, Conferring at my side.
What this Textopian page supports
Doctors is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1933 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: 1933 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical, Medical, Dark Humor
- Length: 101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on pain and mortality.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions regarding life, death, and the human condition.
- Medical — The poem references doctors and medical concepts, focusing on health and illness.
Tags
doctors · pain · death · suffering · illness · mortality · conflict · cure · humility · existentialism · science · professionalism