Over the Roofs by Sara Teasdale
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the tension between hope and despair. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for a beloved, marked by the sound of chimes that symbolize the passage of time and the anticipation of love's arrival. The initial verses convey a sense of urgency and desire, juxtaposed with the awareness of waiting and the fear of losing love to another. As the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to the natural world, with references to steam, sunlight, and the changing sky, reflecting the speaker's emotional state. The mention of fate suggests an external force influencing the speaker's romantic aspirations, hinting at the unpredictability of love. The mood transitions from hopeful to melancholic, as the speaker grapples with heartbreak and the inability to articulate their feelings. The night brings sorrow, but dawn transforms this pain into a song, indicating a cathartic release through art. The speaker's internal conflict is further emphasized by their attempt to shut their heart to love, only to be confronted by the irresistible force of affection. The arrival of spring symbolizes renewal and the awakening of emotions, leading to a realization that love cannot be contained or ignored. Ultimately, the poem captures the complexity of love—its joys and sorrows—while illustrating the struggle between desire and the fear of vulnerability. The speaker's journey reflects a universal experience of longing, making the work resonate with anyone who has faced the challenges of love.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 392 words
First lines
I. OH chimes set high on the sunny tower Ring on, ring on unendingly, Make all the hours a single hour, For when the dusk begins to flower, The man I love will come to me! . . .
But no, go slowly as you will, I should not bid you hasten so, For while I wait for love to come, Some other girl is standing dumb, Fearing her love will go.
What this Textopian page supports
Over the Roofs is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Symbolism
- Length: 392 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery to convey emotions and themes.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and nature reflect the ideals of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The personal expression of feelings and emotions aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The exploration of inner emotions and the use of imagery suggest modernist influences.
Tags
love · longing · yearning · heartbreak · nature · city · poetry · romance · waiting · fate · dusk · dawn