
Sara Teasdale was an influential American lyric poet known for her poignant and musical verses that often explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she began writing poetry at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent. Teasdale's work was characterized by its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, making her one of the prominent voices in early 20th-century American poetry. Her collection 'Love Songs,' published in 1917, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1918, solidifying her place in the literary canon and showcasing her ability to capture the complexities of love and longing. Throughout her career, Teasdale published several notable collections, including 'Rivers to the Sea' and 'Flame and Shadow,' which further established her reputation as a master of lyric poetry. Her work often reflected her personal struggles and the broader human condition, resonating with readers and influencing future generations of poets. Despite facing challenges in her personal life, including her battle with depression, Teasdale's legacy endures through her evocative poetry, which continues to be celebrated for its emotional resonance and artistic merit.
“Stephen kissed me in the spring, Robin in the fall, But Colin only looked at me And never kissed at all. Stephen’s kiss was lost in jest, Robin’s lost in play, But the kiss in Colin’s eyes Haunts me night and day.”
“It is strange how often a heart must be broken Before the years can make it wise.”
“I thought of you and how you love this beauty, And walking up the long beach all alone I heard the waves breaking in measured thunder As you and I once heard their monotone. Around me were the echoing dunes, beyond me The cold and sparkling silver of the sea -- We two will pass through death and ages lengthen Before you hear that sound again with me.”