Roundel by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores themes of unrequited love and the longing for acknowledgment from a beloved. The speaker expresses a deep emotional connection through their songs, which are dedicated to the object of their affection. The imagery of dawn and evening suggests the passage of time and the constant presence of these feelings. The speaker contemplates whether the beloved would appreciate the songs if he were aware of their existence. There is a tension between hope and despair, as the speaker wonders if the beloved would respond with joy or indifference. The reference to Eros, the god of love, introduces the idea of fate and the constraints imposed by love's complexities. The poem captures the essence of yearning and the bittersweet nature of love, highlighting the internal struggle of the speaker who cannot openly express their feelings. The use of natural imagery, such as brooks breaking free in spring, symbolizes the potential for emotional release and joy, contrasting with the current state of silence and longing. The speaker's desire for the beloved to know their true feelings underscores the vulnerability inherent in love.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry · 120 words
First lines
If he could know my songs are all for him, At silver dawn or in the evening glow, Would he not smile and think it but a whim, If he could know?
Or would his heart rejoice and overflow, As happy brooks that break their icy rim When April's horns along the hillsides blow?
I may not speak till Eros' torch is dim, The god is bitter and will have it so; And yet to-night our fate would seem less grim If he could know.
What this Textopian page supports
Roundel 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, Romantic Poetry, Nature Poetry, Symbolism, Modernist Poetry
- Length: 120 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Roundel 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 Roundel?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Song by Sara Teasdale
- Over The Roofs by Sara Teasdale
- Dooryard Roses by Sara Teasdale
- The Look by Sara Teasdale
- Gramercy Park by Sara Teasdale
- The Kiss by Sara Teasdale
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and longing are central, aligning with the romantic genre.
- Nature Poetry — Imagery of nature, such as 'silver dawn' and 'April's horns', reflects the natural world.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like Eros and nature elements conveys deeper meanings.
Tags
love · longing · desire · romance · Eros · nature · emotion · yearning · poetry · reflection · beauty · silence