The Wind by Sara Teasdale (1917)
The poem explores themes of longing, despair, and the search for peace. The speaker experiences an internal turmoil symbolized by the wind, which represents both a force of nature and an emotional disturbance. This wind disrupts the speaker's sense of tranquility, suggesting a deep yearning for solace that remains unfulfilled. The speaker reflects on their emotional state, indicating that wisdom gained through suffering has not brought them the peace they seek. Despite a connection to another person, the speaker feels that true peace is elusive. The wind serves as a metaphor for the relentless nature of their inner struggles, emphasizing a sense of isolation and the futility of seeking comfort in external relationships. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the realization that their quest for peace is intertwined with their emotional pain. The wind's cry becomes a haunting reminder of their inner conflict, suggesting that wisdom and understanding can sometimes lead to greater sorrow rather than relief. The juxtaposition of the desire for connection and the reality of emotional turmoil creates a poignant tension throughout the work. Ultimately, the poem encapsulates the complexity of human emotions, illustrating how the search for peace can be fraught with challenges. The speaker's journey reflects a universal struggle, resonating with anyone who has faced the duality of love and suffering. The imagery of the wind serves as a powerful symbol of the uncontrollable forces that shape our inner lives, leaving the reader with a sense of the profound impact of emotional experiences on the quest for tranquility.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 77 words
First lines
A wind is blowing over my soul, I hear it cry the whole night thro' -- Is there no peace for me on earth Except with you?
Alas, the wind has made me wise, Over my naked soul it blew, -- There is no peace for me on earth Even with you.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wind 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 Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Nature Writing
- Length: 77 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores emotional themes through lyrical language.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of longing and nature reflect Romantic ideals.
- Modernism — The introspective and existential themes align with modernist literature.
Tags
nature · wind · soul · peace · longing · wisdom · night · cry · emotions · yearning · isolation · love