Spring by Sara Teasdale (1918)
The poem explores themes of love, cynicism, and the contrast between youthful idealism and mature skepticism. It begins with a depiction of lovers in Central Park, embodying the innocence and boundless nature of their affection. Their interactions are filled with joy and a sense of infinite possibility, symbolized by their strolls and the metaphorical crowning of their souls. In contrast, the speaker and their companion exhibit a more guarded approach to love. They maintain physical distance and engage in humor that masks deeper emotions, suggesting a reluctance to fully embrace vulnerability. The speaker questions the necessity of this emotional warfare, highlighting the futility of resisting love's pull. The tone shifts from observation to a more personal reflection, urging the companion to abandon their defenses and acknowledge the inevitability of love's impact. The poem ultimately juxtaposes the carefree exuberance of young love with the complexities and hesitations that come with experience. It invites contemplation on the nature of love, the barriers individuals construct, and the inherent risks involved in opening oneself to another. The speaker's plea serves as a reminder that despite the wisdom gained through experience, the heart's desires remain potent and undeniable.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 110 words
First lines
IN Central Park the lovers sit, On every hilly path they stroll, Each thinks his love is infinite, And crowns his soul.
But we are cynical and wise, We walk a careful foot apart, You make a little joke that tries To hide your heart.
Give over, we have laughed enough; Oh dearest and most foolish friend, Why do you wage a war with love To lose your battle in the end?
What this Textopian page supports
Spring is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Nature
- Length: 110 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Spring 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 Spring?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love and cynicism through lyrical expression.
- Romanticism — The poem reflects romantic themes, focusing on love and emotional experiences.
- Lyric — The poem is personal and emotional, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The poem exhibits modernist elements through its introspective and complex view of love.
Tags
love · spring · nature · relationships · cynicism · wisdom · heart · friendship · emotions · romance · poetry · Central Park