Gramercy Park by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores themes of longing, love, and the paradox of desire versus the preservation of peace. The setting is a serene park, symbolizing tranquility and unattainable happiness, which is emphasized by the locked gates that prevent entry. The speaker and a companion circle the park, suggesting a repetitive, futile quest for fulfillment. The imagery of snow-covered paths enhances the sense of stillness and isolation. The speaker reflects on the tension between the desire for connection and the fear that such a connection might disrupt the existing peace. The companion's "restless eyes" indicate a yearning for something more, yet the speaker feels protected by the love that envelops them, akin to a cloak. This love, while comforting, also highlights the barriers imposed by fate, represented by the heavy gates. The poem ultimately conveys a sense of resignation to the limitations of their situation. The locked gates symbolize the obstacles that prevent them from achieving true joy, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness may come at the cost of the peace they currently possess. The speaker acknowledges that entering the park, or pursuing their desires, could lead to the loss of the tranquility they cherish. The work encapsulates the complexity of human emotions, where love and longing coexist with the acceptance of unattainable dreams.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 125 words
First lines
For W. P.
The little park was filled with peace, The walks were carpeted with snow, But every iron gate was locked. Lest if we entered, peace would go.
We circled it a dozen times, The wind was blowing from the sea, I only felt your restless eyes Whose love was like a cloak for me.
Oh heavy gates that fate has locked To bar the joy we may not win, Peace would go out forevermore If we should dare to enter in.
What this Textopian page supports
Gramercy Park 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, Romanticism, Symbolism, Modernism, Nature Poetry
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Gramercy Park 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 Gramercy Park?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love and nature, along with a focus on individual experience, align with Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The locked gates and the park symbolize barriers to peace and love, typical of Symbolist poetry.
- Modernism — The poem's introspective nature and exploration of complex emotions reflect Modernist themes.
Tags
poetry · Sara Teasdale · Gramercy Park · nature · peace · love · longing · locked gates · winter · restlessness · fate · joy