Sara Teasdale (1884–1933), an American lyric poet

Teasdale’s first collection of poetry, *Sonnets to Duse and Other Poems* (1907), showcased her early potential. However, it was her third collection, *Rivers to the Sea* (1915), that gained her widespread recognition. This collection included some of her best-known poems, such as "Barter" and "I Shall Not Care." Her poems often reflect a longing for beauty and love, combined with an undercurrent of melancholy, which resonated with readers during a time of great social change in America.

In 1918, Teasdale won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection *Love Songs* (1917), making her one of the first recipients of this prestigious award. *Love Songs* is considered one of her most significant works, characterized by its lyrical quality and exploration of romantic love, both its joys and sorrows. The collection exemplifies her ability to express deep emotions with clarity and precision, a hallmark of her style.

Teasdale’s personal life was marked by a series of romantic disappointments and emotional struggles, which influenced much of her work. She married Ernst Filsinger, a businessman, in 1914, but the marriage was unhappy, and they divorced in 1929. Her later years were increasingly troubled by poor health and depression, themes that became more pronounced in her poetry.

Tragically, Teasdale took her own life in 1933, just two years after the death of her close friend, the poet Vachel Lindsay. Her final collection, *Strange Victory* (1933), was published posthumously, and it reflects a poignant sense of resignation and acceptance of her fate.

Sara Teasdale’s poetry continues to be admired for its musicality, emotional honesty, and timeless exploration of love and loss. Her work is often associated with the early 20th-century Romantic tradition, and she remains a significant figure in American literature, remembered for her contributions to the art of lyrical poetry. Her work has widely been and continues to be, set to music.

- Celia Turner