Sara Teasdale

I fell in love with Sara Teasdale when I first read 'Gifts'.

I gave my first love laughter,
I gave my second tears,
I gave my third love silence
Through all the years.

My first love gave me singing,
My second eyes to see,
But oh, it was my third love
Who gave my soul to me.

The next poem that I read, 'Winter Stars' from Flame and Shadow had me completely transfixed with memories from my childhood. I randomly opened a page and came across these lines that just made me incredibly glad to be able to read her poems.

From windows in my father’s house,
Dreaming my dreams on winter nights,
I watched Orion as a girl
Above another city’s lights.

I have a 1920 Macmillan edition of this book. Since I am very particular about old books and always hunting for old editions, the moment I laid my eyes on the cover, I was overjoyed and hyper-excited and immediately bought it! That was the best moment. Such unadulterated joy!

It was April when you came
The first time to me,
And my first look in your eyes
Was like my first look at the sea. 

We have been together
Four Aprils now
Watching for the green
On the swaying willow bough;

Yet whenever I turn
To your gray eyes over me,
It is as though I looked
For the first time at the sea.

My eyes well up every time I read her poems. This is among my favorite books of poetry and Teasdale, my dearly loved poet.

She expresses emotions in such a delicate and lyrical manner. 'Gray Eyes' from Flame and Shadow again, also has me completely mesmerized. All her poems have that effect on me.

She writes about Stars in such a simple yet magical verse-

I watch them marching
Stately and still,

And I know that I
Am honored to be
Witness
Of so much majesty.

Truly, a fascinating poet! How I wish we inculcate these delicate poetic subtleties  in our lives and thus, enrich ourselves!