Sappho by Sara Teasdale (1915)
The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the complexities of emotional experience. It begins with a vivid depiction of twilight in Lesbos, setting a serene yet introspective mood. The speaker reflects on their past, recalling moments of running along the shore, symbolizing a pursuit of love and the tumultuous nature of desire. The speaker grapples with the duality of love, recognizing its sweetness and its capacity to bring pain. They invoke Aphrodite, expressing a sense of surrender to love's overwhelming power, which has rendered them unable to create art in the same way as before. The imagery of nature, particularly the sea and spring, serves as a backdrop for the speaker's emotional journey, illustrating the inescapable presence of love in their life. As the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges the futility of trying to escape love's influence, realizing that it permeates every aspect of existence. They recount various encounters with love, each marked by a unique intensity, yet none fulfilling the depth of their own feelings. Ultimately, the speaker finds a semblance of peace, holding their beloved close and cherishing the intimate connection they share. The poem concludes with a sense of acceptance, as the speaker recognizes that their life has been shaped by love, transforming their experiences into a personal melody meant for one. The work encapsulates the essence of love's complexity, intertwining joy and sorrow, and the profound impact it has on the human spirit.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1915 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Classical Literature · 681 words
First lines
The twilight's inner flame grows blue and deep, And in my Lesbos, over leagues of sea, The temples glimmer moonwise in the trees. Twilight has veiled the little flower face Here on my heart, but still the night is kind And leaves her warm sweet weight against my breast.
Am I that Sappho who would run at dusk Along the surges creeping up the shore When tides came in to ease the hungry beach, And running, running, till the night was black, Would fall forespent upon the chilly sand And quiver with the winds from off the sea?
What this Textopian page supports
Sappho 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: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Classical Literature, Feminist Literature, Imagism
- Length: 681 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, nature, and personal introspection align with the Romantic movement.
- Classical Literature — References to Sappho and classical themes indicate a connection to ancient literary traditions.
- Feminist Literature — Exploration of female love and identity reflects feminist themes.
Tags
Sappho · Sara Teasdale · poetry · love · Lesbos · twilight · Aphrodite · nature · longing · peace · heartbreak · solitude