Dusk in War Time by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores themes of longing, loss, and the emotional weight of separation during wartime. It presents a poignant contrast between the speaker's anticipation of a loved one's return and the harsh reality of death. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia for past moments of intimacy, highlighting the bittersweet nature of memory. The speaker reflects on the imminent arrival of a loved one, expressing hope and yearning. However, this hope is juxtaposed with the sorrow of another woman waiting for a soldier who will never return. The repetition of the phrase "the woman over the sea" emphasizes the universality of grief experienced by those left behind. As dusk approaches, the poem captures the transition from day to night, symbolizing the shift from hope to despair. The key in the latch signifies the potential for reunion, yet it also serves as a reminder of the finality of death. The strong quick tread suggests vitality and life, contrasting sharply with the stillness of loss. The emotional landscape of the poem is rich with imagery that conveys the weight of absence. The speaker's internal conflict between anticipation and mourning reflects the broader impact of war on relationships. The poem ultimately serves as a meditation on the enduring nature of love, even in the face of irrevocable loss. The tension between hope and reality creates a powerful emotional resonance, leaving the reader to contemplate the complexities of love and loss in times of conflict.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1928 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism · 88 words
First lines
A HALF-HOUR more and you will lean To gather me close in the old sweet way -- But oh, to the woman over the sea Who will come at the close of day?
A half-hour more and I will hear The key in the latch and the strong quick tread -- But oh, the woman over the sea Waiting at dusk for one who is dead!
What this Textopian page supports
Dusk in War Time is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1928 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: 1928 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Romanticism, Lyric Poetry, Modernism
- Length: 88 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and emotional expression.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around loss and longing during wartime, reflecting the emotional impact of conflict.
- Romanticism — The poem explores deep emotional connections and the beauty of love, typical of Romantic literature.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, focusing on the speaker's emotional state.
Tags
war · loss · longing · grief · love · separation · nostalgia · evening · death · memory · yearning · sorrow