Barter - A poem by Sara Teasdale

Sara Teasdale - Barter

Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things;
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And children's faces looking up,
Holding wonder like a cup.

Life has loveliness to sell;
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And, for the Spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.

Give all you have for loveliness;
Buy it, and never count the cost!
For one white, singing hour of peace
Count many a year of strife well lost;
And for a breath of ecstasy,
Give all you have been, or could be.

Added: on June 27th, 2005 at 11:45 PM | Viewed: 4043 times | Comments and analysis of Barter by Sara Teasdale Comments (4)

Barter - Comments and Information
Poet: Sara Teasdale Poem: Barter Comment 4 of 4, added on May 23rd, 2006 at 2:32 PM. When I was in high school in Puerto Rico almost 50 years ago, we had to memorize a poem by an American poet. I chose "Life has loveliness to sell..." I recited it with all of the passion of youth, but it is still my very favorite poem. Kathryn from United States Comment 3 of 4, added on October 28th, 2005 at 3:59 PM. I was taught this poem by my english teacher in the 10th grade. When I came accrossed it, I just had to smile. I still remember it word for word... Time has a way of allowing you to understand the deeper meaning of things... What a great piece of work this poem is!!! Monica from United States Comment 2 of 4, added on June 27th, 2005 at 11:45 PM. This poem is beautifully written. Sarah Teasdale could not have chosen a better way to describe all of the wonders of life. "Blue waves whitened on a cliff, soaring fire that sways and sings." It gives me chills. Spend all you have for the beauties of life and never count the cost! The last 2 lines of the poem are so moving: "And for a breath of ecstasy, Give all you have been, or could be." Give all of yourself to obtain the tiniest bit of extreme happiness. I believe everyone should live their lives in such a manner and enjoy all of the beauties and wonders in life to the fullest. If you are in to classical music, the poem Barter in SSA format is absolutely breathtaking and if you get a chance you should listen to it. It really brings the poem to life. I feel that it brings out the poem's most important messages. Amanda from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Barter, has received 4 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Sara Teasdale with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Sara Teasdale Poem: Barter Last read: May 17 2008, 6:09AM Viewed 4043 times. Added on June 27th, 2005 at 11:45 PM.

Teasdale Info
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