From the North by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores the tension between the serene beauty of nature and the speaker's yearning for the vibrancy and chaos of urban life. The northern woods and tranquil lake evoke a sense of peace, yet the speaker feels restless and longs for the energy of the city, symbolized by the subway's roar and the rush of people. The imagery contrasts the calmness of the natural landscape with the dynamic, almost overwhelming sensations of urban existence. The speaker's desire to return to the city reflects a deeper emotional conflict, as they grapple with the allure of both environments. The mention of the tower suggests a longing for elevation and perspective, hinting at a desire for transcendence amidst the mundane. As the poem progresses, the speaker contemplates the experience of leaving the familiar, dark air of the city for the invigorating sea-breath, representing a shift from confinement to freedom. This duality captures the complexity of human experience, where the pull of nature and the city coexist, each offering distinct yet compelling attractions. The work ultimately reflects on the search for identity and belonging in a world that oscillates between tranquility and tumult.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry · 160 words
First lines
THE northern woods are delicately sweet, The lake is folded softly by the shore, But I am restless for the subway's roar, The thunder and the hurrying of feet.
I try to sleep, but still my eyelids beat Against the image of the tower that bore Me high aloft, as if thru heaven's door I watched the world from God's unshaken seat.
I would go back and breathe with quickened sense The tunnel's strong hot breath of powdered steel; But at the ferries I should leave the tense Dark air behind, and I should mount and be One among many who are thrilled to feel The first keen sea-breath from the open sea.
What this Textopian page supports
From the North 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: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Urban Poetry, Romanticism
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs lyrical language and explores emotional themes.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of the northern woods and the lake reflects a strong connection to nature.
- Urban Poetry — The contrast between the natural setting and the desire for urban life indicates themes of urban experience.
Tags
nature · urban · contrast · restlessness · longing · journey · exploration · identity · transformation · nostalgia · landscape · emotion