Not by the Sea by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores the theme of seeking solace and rest away from the tumultuous nature of the sea. The speaker contrasts the restless, unfulfilled longing associated with the ocean with the tranquility found in the hills. The imagery of a dim pool reflects a serene, contemplative space, suggesting that true peace lies in the quietude of nature rather than the chaotic, eternal yearning symbolized by the sea. The speaker expresses a desire for a place where one can find respite from the burdens of life, emphasizing the need for stillness and reflection. The hills represent a sanctuary, a refuge from the relentless desires and emotional turmoil that the sea embodies. The mention of historical figures like Iseult and Helen, known for their tragic love stories, reinforces the idea that even beauty and passion can lead to suffering. Ultimately, the work conveys a longing for inner peace and the belief that it can be found in the simplicity and stillness of the natural world, away from the distractions and heartaches associated with the sea. The poem invites readers to consider the value of quiet contemplation and the restorative power of nature.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature Writing · 118 words
First lines
Not by the sea, but somewhere in the hills, / Not by the sea, but in the uplands surely / There must be rest where a dim pool demurely / Watches all night the stern slow-moving skies;
Not by the sea, that never was appeased, / Not by the sea, whose immemorial longing / Shames the tired earth where even longing dies, / Not by the sea that bore Iseult and Helen, / But in a dark green hollow of the hills / There must be sleep, even for sleepless eyes.
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Not by the Sea 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: Poetry, Lyric, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 118 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Not by the Sea by Sara Teasdale
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of rest, nature, and longing, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Lyric — The poem conveys personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature Writing — The imagery focuses on natural landscapes, emphasizing the connection between the speaker and the environment.
- Romanticism — The themes of longing and the idealization of nature align with Romantic literary traditions.
Tags
nature · hills · rest · peace · longing · sleep · uplands · serenity · reflection · landscape · imagination · solitude