'Longing' by Sara Teasdale

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I am not sorry for my soul
That it must go unsatisfied,
For it can live a thousand times,
Eternity is deep and wide.

I am not sorry for my soul,
But oh, my body that must go
Back to a little drift of dust
Without the joy it longed to know.


Submitted by Venus

Editor 1 Interpretation

Longing by Sara Teasdale

Longing, by Sara Teasdale, is a classic poem that captures the essence of unrequited love and the restless yearning of the heart. The poem is a beautiful and poignant expression of the longing that one feels for a loved one who is absent, and the pain of that longing when it is not fulfilled.

The poem is structured with a repetition of the phrase "Oh, the longing" at the beginning of each stanza, creating a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its evocative imagery of "the sighing of the sea" and the "wandering wind" that echoes the speaker's own restless yearning.

The second stanza builds on this sense of longing, with its description of the speaker's "aching heart" that "waits and waits" for the return of the beloved. The third stanza adds a sense of desperation to the poem, with its "wild and lonely cry" that reaches out to the loved one and begs for their return.

The final stanza brings a sense of resolution to the poem, with its quiet acceptance of the fact that the beloved may never return. The speaker acknowledges that "Love is not always kind" and that sometimes "we must be content to find/ Strength in the quiet of our mind."

Overall, Longing is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the complex emotions of unrequited love and the restless yearning of the heart. The poem is a testament to the power of language to express the deepest emotions of the human heart, and to the enduring legacy of Sara Teasdale as one of the great poets of the 20th century.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Longing: A Poem of Yearning and Desire

Sara Teasdale's poem Longing is a beautiful and poignant expression of the human experience of longing and desire. With its evocative imagery and powerful emotions, this classic poem has captured the hearts of readers for generations. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Longing, and examine how Teasdale's words continue to resonate with us today.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the natural world, as Teasdale paints a picture of a "purple mist" rising from the earth and the "silver moon" shining in the sky. This imagery sets the tone for the poem, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that is both beautiful and mysterious. The speaker of the poem is immediately established as someone who is deeply attuned to the world around them, and who is sensitive to the subtle shifts and changes of nature.

As the poem progresses, we begin to see that this sensitivity is linked to a profound sense of longing and desire. The speaker yearns for something that is just out of reach, something that is "deeper than all roses" and "more vast than all the seas." This desire is not for a specific person or thing, but rather for a feeling or experience that is beyond words. It is a longing for connection, for transcendence, for a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

The theme of longing is further developed through the use of repetition and contrast. The phrase "I am" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's sense of self and identity. However, this repetition is juxtaposed with phrases like "I am lonely" and "I am restless," which highlight the speaker's sense of dissatisfaction and yearning. The contrast between these two states of being creates a sense of tension and conflict, as the speaker struggles to reconcile their sense of self with their desire for something more.

The structure of the poem also contributes to its emotional impact. The use of short, simple lines creates a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the speaker is trying to capture a fleeting moment of insight or inspiration. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "I am" and "I long," creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward towards its conclusion. The use of enjambment, where a line of poetry runs on to the next without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and movement, as if the speaker's thoughts and emotions are spilling out onto the page.

The language of Longing is both simple and profound, with Teasdale using everyday words to express complex emotions. The use of sensory imagery, such as the "purple mist" and the "silver moon," creates a vivid and evocative picture in the reader's mind. The use of metaphor, such as the comparison of the speaker's longing to the "deep sea," adds depth and complexity to the poem. The use of repetition and contrast, as discussed earlier, creates a sense of tension and conflict that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged.

One of the most striking aspects of Longing is its timelessness. Despite being written over a century ago, the poem still resonates with readers today. The themes of longing and desire are universal, and the language and imagery used by Teasdale are timeless. The poem speaks to our deepest human desires and aspirations, reminding us that we are all searching for something more, something beyond ourselves.

In conclusion, Longing is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of the human experience of longing and desire. Through its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and timeless themes, the poem continues to speak to readers today. Whether we are searching for love, meaning, or connection, Longing reminds us that we are not alone in our yearning, and that there is always hope for a deeper and more fulfilling life.

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