'Child , Child' by Sarah Teasdale


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Child, child, love while you can
The voice and the eyes and the soul of a man;
Never fear though it break your heart --
Out of the wound new joy will start;
Only love proudly and gladly and well,
Though love be heaven or love be hell.

Child, child, love while you may,
For life is short as a happy day;
Never fear the thing you feel --
Only by love is life made real;
Love, for the deadly sins are seven,
Only through love will you enter heaven.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Child, and Child": A Poem of Tender Love and Sorrow

Sarah Teasdale was a renowned American poet who lived from 1884 to 1933. Her poems often express a sense of melancholy, longing, and spiritual yearning, as well as a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the power of love. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry, Child, and Child," which was first published in 1915 in her collection "Love Songs." This poem is a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of love and the enduring power of memory and imagination.

The Poem's Form and Structure

"Poetry, Child, and Child" is composed of four stanzas, each containing four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's rhythm is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical units consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This gives the poem a lilting, musical quality that complements its tender and nostalgic tone.

The Poem's Themes and Imagery

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a child, asking her to bring a book of poetry and sit beside her. The child's presence seems to evoke a sense of innocence, wonder, and joy, as well as a deep appreciation for the beauty of language and the power of imagination. The speaker then launches into a series of vivid and evocative images that capture the essence of love, memory, and the passage of time.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the comparison of love to a flower that blooms and fades. The speaker says that love is "like a daffodil," which suggests both its beauty and its fragility. The daffodil blooms briefly in the spring, filling the world with color and light, but it soon withers and dies, leaving only a memory of its beauty. In the same way, love can be intense and passionate, but it is also fleeting and ephemeral.

Another powerful image in the poem is the comparison of memory to a garden. The speaker says that memory is "like a garden fair," which suggests both its beauty and its complexity. A garden is a place of growth, renewal, and beauty, but it is also a place of decay, loss, and mortality. In the same way, memory can be a source of joy and comfort, but it can also be a source of sadness and pain.

Throughout the poem, the speaker juxtaposes the beauty and transience of love with the power and enduring nature of poetry. The child is asked to bring a book of poetry, which serves as a symbol of the transformative and redemptive power of language. The speaker suggests that poetry can capture the essence of love and memory in a way that transcends time and space, preserving them for future generations.

The Poem's Tone and Mood

The tone of "Poetry, Child, and Child" is tender and nostalgic, with a hint of melancholy and longing. The speaker seems to be reflecting on the past and contemplating the fleeting nature of love and memory, but she also expresses a sense of hope and faith in the power of poetry to transcend time and space. The mood of the poem is contemplative and reflective, with a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of nature and the power of love.

The Poem's Historical and Cultural Context

"Poetry, Child, and Child" was written during a period of great social and cultural upheaval in America. The early 20th century was a time of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, as well as of political and economic instability. Many Americans felt a sense of anxiety and disillusionment as they struggled to adapt to these changes and find meaning in their lives.

In this context, poetry and other forms of art were seen as a means of providing solace, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. Many poets, including Teasdale, sought to capture the beauty and complexity of the world through their words, offering a source of comfort and hope to their readers.

The Poem's Significance and Legacy

"Poetry, Child, and Child" is a timeless and universal poem that speaks to the enduring human experience of love, memory, and imagination. Its themes and imagery are relevant to people of all ages and cultures, and its tender and nostalgic tone has resonated with readers for generations. The poem's enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the essence of the human spirit and to inspire and comfort those who read it.

In conclusion, "Poetry, Child, and Child" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of love, memory, and imagination. Through its vivid and evocative images, its tender and nostalgic tone, and its faith in the redemptive power of poetry, the poem speaks to the enduring human experience of longing, beauty, and loss. Its legacy as a timeless and universal work of art testifies to the enduring power of poetry to inspire, comfort, and transform the human soul.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Child, Child" by Sarah Teasdale. This classic piece of literature is a beautiful ode to the innocence and purity of childhood. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this poem.

The poem begins with the lines, "Child, child, where have you been? / The whole world is searching for you." These lines immediately capture the reader's attention and create a sense of urgency. The repetition of the word "child" emphasizes the importance of the subject of the poem. The fact that the whole world is searching for the child suggests that the child is not just any ordinary child, but one who is special and unique.

The next stanza reads, "Here, here, beside you my dear, / Close to your heart I will stay." These lines convey a sense of protection and comfort. The speaker is assuring the child that they will always be there for them, no matter what. The use of the word "dear" adds a sense of affection and warmth to the poem.

The third stanza reads, "Child, child, what do you see? / The world is a wonder to me." These lines highlight the innocence and curiosity of childhood. Children are often fascinated by the world around them and are constantly discovering new things. The speaker is acknowledging this sense of wonder and encouraging the child to explore and discover.

The fourth stanza reads, "Here, here, beside you my dear, / Close to your heart I will stay." These lines are a repetition of the second stanza and serve to reinforce the sense of protection and comfort that the speaker is offering the child.

The fifth stanza reads, "Child, child, what do you know? / The world is a mystery to me." These lines highlight the fact that children have a unique perspective on the world. They see things in a different way than adults do and often have a deeper understanding of things than we give them credit for. The speaker is acknowledging this and expressing a sense of awe and wonder at the child's knowledge.

The sixth stanza reads, "Here, here, beside you my dear, / Close to your heart I will stay." These lines are a repetition of the second and fourth stanzas and serve to reinforce the sense of protection and comfort that the speaker is offering the child.

The final stanza reads, "Child, child, where will you go? / The whole world is waiting for you." These lines bring the poem full circle and create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The repetition of the first line of the poem emphasizes the importance of the child and suggests that they have a special destiny or purpose in life.

Overall, "Child, Child" is a beautiful and poignant poem that celebrates the innocence and wonder of childhood. The repetition of the word "child" throughout the poem emphasizes the importance of the subject and creates a sense of urgency and importance. The use of repetition in the second, fourth, and sixth stanzas reinforces the sense of protection and comfort that the speaker is offering the child. The final stanza creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, suggesting that the child has a special destiny or purpose in life.

In conclusion, "Child, Child" is a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a child. It celebrates the innocence, wonder, and curiosity of childhood and reminds us of the importance of protecting and nurturing our children. Sarah Teasdale's beautiful and evocative language creates a sense of warmth and affection that will resonate with readers of all ages. This poem is a true masterpiece and a testament to the power of poetry to touch our souls and inspire us to greatness.

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