The Crystal Gazer by Sara Teasdale

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inLadyBudd, Poetry, Sara Teasdale, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , , , ,

Winter loves poetry.

The daffodils and cherry blossoms have arrived to herald the coming of spring, but Canada loves winter. When I lived in Northern Manitoba we were not surprised when snow appeared in the middle of June.

Tonight, in celebration of poetry month, I have returned to a poem I recited on a clear Vancouver winter day in February.

The Crystal Gazer by Sara Teasdale

I shall gather myself into myself again,
I shall take my scattered selves and make them one,
Fusing them into a polished crystal ball
Where I can see the moon and the flashing sun.

I shall sit like a sibyl, hour after hour intent,
Watching the future come and the present go,
And the little shifting pictures of people rushing
In restless self-importance to and fro.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

34 thoughts on “The Crystal Gazer by Sara Teasdale”

    1. I read an excellent article about vaccines and came to the paragraph that stated that poetry was a vaccine for the soul. How beautiful said. Poetry allows us to build resilience and accept the challenges that come our way. I marvel that it only takes a few words to ignite the spirit. I am glad that you joined me on the Vancouver SeaWall, Liz. Sending hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Sara Teasdale is one of my favouite poets along with Edna St. Vincent Millay. Both women made lasting and important contributions to poetry. I read that Sara was known as the grand dame of the love lyric. Many Valentine’s Day card included her poetry. Thank you, Marian, for joining me on the Vancouver SeaWall. Your visit and comments are very much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for joining me on the Vancouver SeaWall, Colleen, I love our conversations. I just heard the latest forecast for Vancouver – unusual weather patterns today with snow coming in some areas of Vancouver. Yesterday we had lightning and thunder. I love how earth reminds us that life is full of surprises. Thank you for being a guide on my poetry journey. What an adventure we are on…

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      1. What an absolute pleasure, Rebecca. Today in East Lansing, Michigan it’s 66 degrees. I had a lovely walk and saw some of the first crocus peeking out of the ground. The weather is short-lived as by the weekend, we will be cold again. It’s the rollercoaster of Spring! ❤

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    1. I love that word Trifecta!! It reminds me of a scene in the movie, Odd Couple II with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau when Oscar explains what trifecta means. But I digress. Thank you for walking with me on the Vancouver Sea Wall, Dave, and celebrating the month of poetry.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, Linda Spending time for reflection is something that I have come to understand is necessary to build resilience and well-being. I enjoy stopping by your place and reading your reflections. A wonderful experience. Many thanks!

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    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed this recitation, Sylvia. “Scattered Selves” into a “crystal ball” speaks to me about healing and resilience. It is a beautiful image. I find that reciting poetry out in the open air gives me a sense that words spoken out loud are carried with the wind to find new homes. Sara Teasdale is one of my favourite poets. Sending many hugs your way!!!

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  7. Thank you for sharing a few lines of this lovely poem. I listened several times as I watched those walking on the path below by the water. It is good to gather our thoughts together and meditate on the beauty of the sun and moon and our world, The best way is to quietly sit. reflect and enjoy the passing of time. The video/photo that you have chosen for the background is amazingly beautiful!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Many thanks for your lovely comments and for your introduction to poetry when I was still a children, Frances. I still enjoy reciting Wynken, Blynken, and Nod!! I agree that poetry is a way to pause, take a deep breath and reflect on the beauty that surrounds us.

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me on the Vancouver Seawall, Shey. It was a beautiful morning, a perfect time to read Sara Teasdale. I just read that this year, celebrates the 100th anniversary of T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland” According to the Guardian article, dated April 6, 2022, “a six-day festival will take over the City of London, filling 22 churches with responses to Eliot’s poem and its afterlife. The title, fittingly enough, is Fragments.” https://amp.theguardian.com/books/2022/apr/06/it-takes-your-hand-off-the-panic-button-ts-eliots-the-waste-land-100-years-on

      Wouldn’t T.S. Eliot be surprised!! Sending many hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Robbie for your encouraging words. How do we build resilience? That is the question that I have asked myself many times. We will all experience twists and turns in our lives. I think that connections and feelings of belonging are essential. I think that reflection and meditation ignite our personal well-being. I have found that poetry is a wonderful way to seek well-being. I enjoy our conversations, Robbie. Hugs!

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      1. Well, Rebecca, I don’t know your answer to that question but I sat down and wrote a poem after reading your post. You will find it on my YT channel as I haven’t posted it to my blog yet. It is called The Relentlessness of LIfe.

        Liked by 2 people

  11. Thank you, Rebecca!
    You are the best at reciting.
    This is a sweet simple poem, but the last 2 lines can be a subtle tongue twister.
    I love all the poetry you choose! Thank you! {{hugs}}

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Resa! I find that poetry has a way of showcasing our speech habits. When I started to recite poetry I realized immediately that I took short cuts – sometimes slurring words. Listen to Jeremy Irons reading Daffodils by William Wordsworth. Truly spectacular the way he pronounces his words.

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      1. I agree! I worked with him. He’s a gem!!! I could listen forever. Will listen to Daffodils, see if I can find the tongue twister he does, and get back to you!

        Liked by 2 people

    1. Isn’t it wonderful to spend time with family. Those are the best memories!! What I love about blogging is that you can always catch up when you come back. We are heading out on an adventure starting this Friday and will be on WIFI intermittently for most of May so will be playing catch up when we return home. So glad you enjoyed Sara Teasdale – she is one of my favourites.

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  13. Pingback: Roberta Writes – Two poems #Poetry

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