Immortal by Sara Teasdale (1930)
The poem explores the themes of mortality, the transient nature of the physical body, and the enduring essence of the soul. The speaker reflects on the inevitable decay of the body, acknowledging that it will eventually fade from the perceptions of the living. This physical demise is contrasted with the concept of the soul, which is portrayed as eternal and restless. The imagery of a leaf carried by the wind and a wave that never reaches the shore symbolizes the soul's continuous journey and search for meaning beyond the confines of earthly existence. The work delves into the tension between the finite nature of life and the infinite quality of the spirit, suggesting a longing for immortality and a deeper understanding of existence beyond death. The speaker grapples with the fear of oblivion while simultaneously recognizing the soul's unquenchable desire for connection and purpose. Ultimately, the poem encapsulates the struggle between the ephemeral and the eternal, inviting contemplation on the nature of life, death, and what lies beyond.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric · 81 words
First lines
So soon my body will have gone Beyond the sound and sight of men, And tho' it wakes and suffers now, Its sleep will be unbroken then; But oh, my frail immortal soul That will not sleep forevermore, A leaf borne onward by the blast, A wave that never finds the shore.
What this Textopian page supports
Immortal is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric, Romanticism, Spiritual
- Length: 81 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
- Nos Immortales by Stephen Vincent Benet
- Love And Death by Sara Teasdale
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- Longing by Sara Teasdale
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of mortality and the soul.
- Philosophical — It delves into existential themes regarding life, death, and immortality.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections on the nature of existence.
- Romanticism — It embodies elements of Romanticism through its focus on individual experience and the sublime.
Tags
immortality · soul · death · existence · nature · transience · suffering · eternity · spirituality · life · philosophy · metaphor