I went back to the clanging city,
I went back where my old loves stayed,
But my heart was full of my new love’s glory,
My eyes were laughing and unafraid.

I met one who had loved me madly
And told his love for all to hear —
But we talked of a thousand things together,
The past was buried too deep to fear.

I met the other, whose love was given
With never a kiss and scarcely a word —
Oh, it was then the terror took me
Of words unuttered that breathed and stirred.

Oh, love that lives its life with laughter
Or love that lives its life with tears
Can die — but love that is never spoken
Goes like a ghost through the winding years. . . .

I went back to the clanging city,
I went back where my old loves stayed,
My heart was full of my new love’s glory, —
But my eyes were suddenly afraid.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Sara Teasdale's poem The Ghost

5 Comments

  1. Li ZHENG says:

    can anyone tell me why this poem is not included in the collected poems of sara teasdale (buccneer books)?

  2. Kristin says:

    Honestly, Don’t comment a poem without knowing anything about the poet. No offense, but I’m sure Sara can’t go global from her grave, nor can she appreciate you “best of luck.” Sara Teasdale killed herself many many years ago people.

  3. Darryl says:

    that was a very interesting poem.

  4. Erin says:

    I love this poem it has so much great meaning to it!! you should go global with your spirt and attitude torward your work i am sure u will make it in the big time ! 😀

  5. Pamela says:

    wow that amazes me that this poem has been read over 773 times and no one took the time to comment! I for one loved it, its very deep and thought provoking… its always a scary thing going back to the past, seeing someone that we once loved, but thankfully the heart is made to forgive and forget and move on…thanks for sharing this poem! and best of luck to you and yours, Pamela

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