Love in Autumn by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time through the metaphor of changing seasons. The speaker searches for love among autumn leaves, symbolizing the fleeting nature of affection and the inevitability of loss. The imagery of golden leaves contrasts with the earlier vibrancy of spring and summer, suggesting that love is elusive and often hidden. As the seasons shift, the speaker reflects on the futility of seeking love during the warmer months, where it remains out of reach. The anticipation of winter represents a time when love may no longer be sought or welcomed, as the speaker fears becoming cold and bitter. The desire for love is palpable, yet there is an acknowledgment of the harsh realities that accompany aging and the end of vitality. The call for love to emerge before autumn fades signifies a yearning for connection and the urgency of experiencing love before it becomes too late. The imagery of "ruined paths" and the "last red rose" evokes a sense of nostalgia and the beauty that remains even as time progresses. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the tension between the desire for love and the acceptance of its transience, urging a recognition of its value before it slips away.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing · 190 words
First lines
I sought among the drifting leaves, The golden leaves that once were green, To see if Love were hiding there And peeping out between.
For thro' the silver showers of May And thro' the summer's heavy heat, In vain I sought his golden head And light, fast-flying feet.
Perhaps when all the world is bare And cruel winter holds the land, The Love that finds no place to hide Will run and catch my hand.
I shall not care to have him then, I shall be bitter and a-cold -- It grows too late for frolicking When all the world is old.
What this Textopian page supports
Love in Autumn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Nature Writing, Lyric Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 190 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Love in Autumn by Sara Teasdale
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love and nature through lyrical expression.
- Romanticism — The poem embodies romantic themes, focusing on love's fleeting nature and emotional depth.
- Nature Writing — The imagery of autumn and nature is central to the poem's exploration of love.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
love · autumn · nature · seasons · loss · longing · beauty · change · melancholy · hope · yearning · transience