Twilight by Sara Teasdale (1920)
The poem explores themes of longing, solitude, and the transition from day to night. It begins with a serene depiction of a rainy spring evening, where the speaker observes the world around them. The imagery of the cold rain and the lonely tree sets a melancholic tone, evoking feelings of isolation. The bird's call symbolizes a yearning for connection and expression, mirroring the speaker's own emotional state. As night descends, the speaker's heart resonates with the bird's call, emphasizing a deep sense of desire and the need for companionship. The repetition of "calling" underscores the intensity of this longing, suggesting an inner turmoil and a search for solace. The juxtaposition of the tranquil natural setting with the speaker's restless heart creates a poignant contrast, highlighting the complexities of human emotion. The poem captures the essence of twilight as a metaphor for transition, both in the physical world and within the speaker's psyche. It reflects on the beauty and sadness of moments that linger between light and darkness, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The imagery and emotional depth invite readers to contemplate their own experiences of longing and the universal quest for connection amidst solitude.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1920 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism · 67 words
First lines
Dreamily over the roofs The cold spring rain is falling, Out in the lonely tree A bird is calling, calling.
Slowly over the earth The wings of night are falling; My heart like the bird in the tree Is calling, calling, calling.
What this Textopian page supports
Twilight is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Nature Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Modernism
- Length: 67 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Twilight by Sara Teasdale
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Twilight?
- How does this poem by Sara Teasdale fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Spring Night by Sara Teasdale
- Late O Miller by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Sea Wind by Sara Teasdale
- Moods by Sara Teasdale
- April Song by Sara Teasdale
- To What Shall I Compare Her by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The imagery of nature, such as rain and birds, is central to the poem's themes.
- Romanticism — The focus on emotion and nature aligns with Romantic literary themes.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like the bird and night conveys deeper meanings.
Tags
nature · night · dream · loneliness · rain · bird · calling · emotion · spring · transition · reflection · solitude