Soul's Birth by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores the profound connection between the soul and the body at the moment of birth. It poses questions about the origin of the soul, contemplating whether it is newly created by a divine force to accompany the physical form or if it has existed eternally, waiting to inhabit a body. The imagery evokes a celestial realm, suggesting that the soul may have once shone like a star before descending to earth. The speaker reflects on the mystery of creation, emphasizing the beauty and sanctity of the moment when a soul enters the world. The language conveys a sense of wonder and reverence, highlighting the intricate relationship between the spiritual and the physical. The poem suggests that the birth of a child is not merely a biological event but a significant spiritual occurrence, imbued with divine purpose. Throughout the verses, there is a tension between the known and the unknown, as the speaker acknowledges the limitations of human understanding in grasping the divine process of creation. The imagery of stars and heaven reinforces the idea that the soul's journey is both majestic and enigmatic. The poem ultimately celebrates the miracle of life and the unique essence of each individual, inviting readers to ponder the deeper significance of existence and the origins of the soul.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 171 words
First lines
When you were born, beloved, was your soul New made by God to match your body's flower, And were they both at one same precious hour Sent forth from heaven as a perfect whole? Or had your soul since dim creation burned, A star in some still region of the sky, That leaping earthward, left its place on high And to your little new-born body yearned? No words can tell in what celestial hour God made your soul and gave it mortal birth, Nor in the disarray of all the stars Is any place so sweet that such a flower Might linger there until thro' heaven's bars, It heard God's voice that bade it down to earth.
What this Textopian page supports
Soul's Birth 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, Spiritual, Philosophical, Romanticism, Literary Fiction
- Length: 171 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of creation, existence, and the divine.
- Spiritual — The poem delves into spiritual questions about the soul's origin and its connection to God.
- Philosophical — It raises philosophical inquiries about life, existence, and the nature of the soul.
- Romanticism — The writing style reflects romantic ideals, focusing on emotion and the beauty of existence.
Tags
soul · birth · creation · God · heaven · mortality · love · poetry · spirituality · existence · nature · beauty