When I went to look at what had long been hidden,
A jewel laid long ago in a secret place,
I trembled, for I thought to see its dark deep fire—
But only a pinch of dust blew up in my face.
I almost gave my life long ago for a thing
That has gone to dust now, stinging my eyes—
It is strange how often a heart must be broken
Before the years can make it wise.
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I think Sara is realizing that she might have made a mistake in choosing a husband. I dont know when she wrote this, but if it was after divorcing her husband, perhaps she is just regretting the choice she made…
In this poem, Sara is looking for her true love, only to find it missing.