In the Carpenter's Shop
The poem depicts a scene in a carpenter's shop where Mary, the mother of Jesus, reflects on her life and the passage of time. She observes Jesus and Joseph working together, while her thoughts drift to the past, particularly to the moment of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. As she sits in the dimly lit room, her dreams and hopes for Jesus begin to fade with the years. Mary's internal struggle is evident as she grapples with her feelings of loss and disappointment. The contrast between the joyful memories of angels singing at Jesus' birth and her current sorrow highlights her sense of isolation and the weight of her expectations. The imagery of the saw cutting through wood parallels her emotional turmoil, suggesting a painful process of realization and acceptance. Throughout the poem, the themes of motherhood, faith, and the passage of time are explored. Mary’s reflections reveal her deep connection to Jesus, yet also her growing sense of despair as she contemplates the challenges ahead. The work captures the tension between hope and reality, ultimately portraying a poignant moment of introspection and longing.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1915 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 163 words
First lines
MARY sat in the corner dreaming, Dim was the room and low, While in the dusk, the saw went screaming To and fro.
Jesus and Joseph toiled together, Mary was watching them, Thinking of kings in the wintry weather At Bethlehem.
Mary sat in the corner thinking, Jesus had grown a man; One by one her hopes were sinking As the years ran.
Jesus and Joseph toiled together, Mary's thoughts were far -- Angels sang in the wintry weather Under a star.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Carpenter's Shop is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1915 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: 1915 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Spiritual Reflection, Historical Poetry
- Length: 163 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In the Carpenter's Shop by Sara Teasdale
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering In the Carpenter's Shop?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Carpenters Son by Sara Teasdale
- Gethsemane by Rudyard Kipling
- Christmas Carol by Sara Teasdale
- A Nativity by Rudyard Kipling
- The Love Song Of Har Dyal by Rudyard Kipling
- Beatrice by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The poem explores themes of faith, the Holy Family, and the significance of Jesus' early life, making it deeply rooted in religious context.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression of Mary’s thoughts and feelings aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story about Mary, Jesus, and Joseph, providing a narrative structure that conveys a deeper message.
- Spiritual Reflection — The themes of hope, faith, and contemplation reflect a spiritual journey, inviting readers to reflect on their beliefs.
Tags
Mary · Jesus · Joseph · carpenter · dreaming · hope · faith · angels · Bethlehem · winter · tears · saw