November by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem reflects on themes of decay, loss, and the passage of time. It opens with a somber tone, depicting a world that is weary and a year that is coming to an end. The imagery of dying leaves and the cold wind evokes a sense of inevitability and resignation. The speaker draws a parallel between the natural cycle of death and the decline of a romantic relationship. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the fading love, comparing it to the grass that withers away. There is a sense of bittersweet acceptance in the recognition that love, once vibrant, is now diminishing. The emotional distance between the lovers is palpable, as they transition from passionate affection to a more detached kindness. The use of nature as a metaphor for human emotions underscores the interconnectedness of life and love. The imagery of leaves being carried away by the wind symbolizes the transient nature of relationships and the inevitability of change. The poem captures a poignant moment of reflection, where the beauty of love is overshadowed by its decline, mirroring the seasonal shift from autumn to winter. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the melancholy of endings, both in nature and in personal connections, highlighting the universal experience of loss and the acceptance of life's cyclical nature.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry · 77 words
First lines
The world is tired, the year is old, The little leaves are glad to die, The wind goes shivering with cold Among the rushes dry.
Our love is dying like the grass, And we who kissed grow coldly kind, Half glad to see our poor love pass Like leaves along the wind.
What this Textopian page supports
November 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, Nature Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Symbolism, Modernist Poetry
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for November 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 November?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- The Rose by Sara Teasdale
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of the changing seasons and natural elements is central to the poem's themes.
- Romantic Poetry — The exploration of love and its decline aligns with themes found in Romantic poetry.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like leaves and the wind conveys deeper meanings about love and loss.
Tags
nature · autumn · love · loss · melancholy · change · seasons · death · transience · nostalgia · reflection · bittersweet