Title: "Stars"
The title "Stars" immediately draws the reader's attention to the celestial theme of the poem. Stars have long been associated with love, romance, and longing, and the plural form suggests the vastness of the night sky and the multitude of stars that adorn it.
Stanza 1:
_"I will make you brooches and toys for your delight
Of the little silver stars that shine at night."_
The speaker expresses a desire to craft jewelry and toys from the stars, highlighting the beauty and precious nature of these celestial bodies. The phrase "for your delight" implies that these creations are intended to bring joy and pleasure to someone special, perhaps a lover or a dear friend.
Stanza 2:
_"I will make a necklace of the Pleiades,
Seven diamonds set on a string of gold."_
The speaker turns their attention to the Pleiades, a cluster of seven stars that have often been associated with love, marriage, and fertility. By weaving them into a necklace, the speaker enhances their significance and imagines them as valuable gems.
Stanza 3:
_"I will braid your hair with Orion's Belt,
And make a crown of the Southern Cross."_
The speaker continues the celestial theme by referring to Orion's Belt and the Southern Cross, two prominent constellations. Braiding the hair with Orion's Belt suggests strength and stability, while the crown of the Southern Cross represents authority and celestial glory.
Stanza 4:
_"I will give you the morning and the evening star
To wear and to cherish and to keep always."_
The speaker goes beyond the night sky and offers the morning and evening stars, symbolizing the beginning and end of each day. These stars hold symbolic value and are precious gifts to be cherished.
Stanza 5:
_"I will gather the stardust from the Milky Way
And sprinkle it over your path of life."_
The speaker imagines gathering stardust from the Milky Way, a breathtaking expanse of stars, and using it to illuminate the beloved's path. This gesture signifies guidance, protection, and the desire for a radiant journey.
Closing Lines:
_"And these shall be your treasures, all for you,
That you may feel the beauty of the night
Through all the hours and in the changing light."_
The poem concludes with the speaker presenting all these celestial gifts as treasures for the recipient. The purpose of these adornments is to ensure that the person experiences the beauty of the night, regardless of the time of day or the changing circumstances.
In summary, Sara Teasdale's "Stars" uses the imagery of stars and constellations to express love, admiration, and the desire to bring beauty and joy to the life of another person. The poem celebrates the magical quality of the night sky, transforming it into a source of inspiration and the embodiment of affection.