To Erinna by Sara Teasdale (1911)
The poem reflects on the legacy and impact of a female poet, Erinna, who is celebrated for her lyrical talent yet remains largely forgotten by history. The speaker contemplates the nature of time and its treatment of Erinna, questioning whether it has been cruel or benevolent. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and longing, as the speaker wonders if Erinna feels sorrow for her obscurity or if she finds solace in the idea that her music, though unheard, continues to resonate in the hearts of others. The poem contrasts the ephemeral nature of life and art with the enduring power of memory and inspiration. It suggests that even in silence, the essence of Erinna's creativity persists, likening her voice to the beauty of nature—like the sea and birds at dawn. The speaker grapples with the tension between recognition and anonymity, ultimately celebrating the idea that true artistry transcends time and remains a part of the collective human experience, even if it is not acknowledged in the present. Through rich imagery and emotional depth, the work explores themes of legacy, the passage of time, and the intrinsic value of artistic expression, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of remembrance and the impact of those who may not be celebrated in their own time.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1911 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism · 167 words
First lines
Was Time not harsh to you, or was he kind, O pale Erinna of the perfect lyre, That he has left no word of singing fire Whereby you waked the dreaming Lesbian wind, And kindled night along the lyric shore? O girl whose lips Erato stooped to kiss, Do you go sorrowing because of this In fields where poets sing forevermore? Or are you glad and is it best to be A silent music men have never heard, A dream in all our souls that we may say: "Her voice had all the rapture of the sea, And all the clear cool quiver of a bird Deep in a forest at the break of day"?
What this Textopian page supports
To Erinna is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Elegy, Romanticism, Classical Literature, Imagism
- Length: 167 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and mourning, typical of elegiac themes.
- Romanticism — The poem emphasizes beauty, nature, and emotional depth, aligning with Romantic ideals.
- Classical Literature — The references to Erinna and Erato connect the work to classical themes and figures.
Tags
poetry · lyric · Erinna · Sara Teasdale · feminine voice · time · memory · sorrow · music · nature · inspiration · dreams