Rispetto by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores themes of longing, loss, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies unrequited love or separation. The speaker expresses a deep yearning for a loved one, oscillating between hope and despair. The initial lines convey anticipation and a flicker of hope as the speaker wonders if the beloved is returning. However, this hope quickly dissipates, revealing the harsh reality of absence. The imagery of sound—footsteps and knocks—serves as a metaphor for the presence of the beloved, contrasting with the cruel reality of the wind, which symbolizes loneliness and mockery. The wind becomes a relentless reminder of what is lost, emphasizing the speaker's emotional state. The poem captures the tension between desire and the painful acknowledgment of separation, illustrating the struggle to maintain hope in the face of despair. As the poem progresses, the speaker's fatigue and resignation become apparent. The longing for the beloved is tinged with a sense of futility, as the realization sets in that the beloved will not return. The emotional weight of the speaker's reflections highlights the depth of their feelings, revealing a profound sense of sorrow and acceptance of loss. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the complexity of human emotions, particularly the interplay between hope and despair in the context of love and loss. The speaker's journey through anticipation, disappointment, and resignation resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of separation, making the poem a poignant exploration of the human condition.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 100 words
First lines
Was that his step that sounded on the stair? Was that his knock I heard upon the door? I grow so tired I almost cease to care, And yet I would that he might come once more.
It was the wind I heard, that mocks at me, The bitter wind that is more cruel than he; It was the wind that knocked upon the door, But he will never knock nor enter more.
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Rispetto 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: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Melancholy, Modernism
- Length: 100 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- But Not To Me by Sara Teasdale
- The Relic Taken What Avails The Shrine by Robert Louis Stevenson
- At Last She Comes by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Love What Is Love by Robert Louis Stevenson
- I Am Like One That For Long Days Had Sate by Robert Louis Stevenson
- While I May by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem, characterized by its use of verse, meter, and emotional expression.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of longing and emotional depth align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Melancholy — The tone and themes reflect sadness and introspection, common in melancholy literature.
Tags
longing · loss · heartbreak · yearning · solitude · regret · nature · wind · door · step · knock · emotional pain