carl sandburg poems

Classic Poetry Series

Carl Sandburg- poems -

Publication Date:

2012

Publisher:

PoemHunter.Com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive

www.PoemHunter.com-TheWorld'sPoetryArchive 2

Carl Sandburg (January 6, 1878 July 22, 1967)CarlSandburgwasanAmericanwriterandeditor,bestknownforhispoetry.HewonthreePulitzerPrizes,twoforhispoetryandanotherforabiographyofAbrahamLincoln.H.L.MenckencalledCarlSandburg"indubitablyanAmericanineverypulse-beat."

Biography

SandburgwasborninGalesburg,Illinois,toparentsofSwedishancestry.Attheageofthirteen(DuringEighthgrade)heleftschoolandbegandrivingamilkwagon.Fromtheageofaboutfourteenuntilhewasseventeenoreighteen,heworkedasaporterattheUnionHotelbarbershopinGalesburg.Afterthathewasonthemilkrouteagainfor18months.HethenbecameabricklayerandafarmlaboreronthewheatplainsofKansas.AfteranintervalspentatLombardCollegeinGalesburg,hebecameahotelservantinDenver,thenacoal-heaverinOmaha.HebeganhiswritingcareerasajournalistfortheChicagoDailyNews.Laterhewrotepoetry,history,biographies,novels,children'sliterature,andfilmreviews.Sandburgalsocollectedandeditedbooksofballadsandfolklore.HespentmostofhislifeintheMidwestbeforemovingtoNorthCarolina.

SandburgvolunteeredtogotothemilitaryandwasstationedinPuertoRicowiththe6thIllinoisInfantryduringtheSpanishAmericanWar,disembarkingatGunica,PuertoRicoonJuly25,1898.Sandburgwasneveractuallycalledtobattle.HeattendedWestPointforjusttwoweeks,beforefailingamathematicsandgrammarexam.SandburgreturnedtoGalesburgandenteredLombardCollege,butleftwithoutadegreein1903.

HemovedtoMilwaukee,Wisconsin,andjoinedtheSocialDemocraticParty,thenamebywhichtheSocialistPartyofAmericawasknowninthestate.SandburgservedasasecretarytoEmilSeidel,socialistmayorofMilwaukeefrom1910to1912.

SandburgmetLilianSteichenattheSocialDemocraticPartyofficein1907,andtheymarriedthenextyear.Lilian'sbrotherwasthephotographerEdwardSteichen.Sandburgwithhiswife,whomhecalledPaula,raisedthreedaughters.

SandburgmovedtoHarbert,Michigan,andthensuburbanChicago,Illinois.TheylivedinEvanston,Illinois,beforesettlingat331S.YorkStreetinElmhurst,Illinois,from1919to1930.Sandburgwrotethreechildren'sbooksinElmhurst,RootabagaStories,in1922,followedbyRootabagaPigeons(1923),andPotatoFace(1930).SandburgalsowroteAbrahamLincoln:The


PrairieYears,atwovolumebiographyin1926,TheAmericanSongbag(1927),andabookofpoemsGoodMorning,America(1928)inElmhurst.ThefamilymovedtoMichiganin1930.TheSandburghouseat331W.YorkStreet,Elmhurstwasdemolishedandthesiteisnowaparkinglot.TheWarYears,forwhichhewonthePulitzerPrizein1940.Sandburg'sCompletePoemswonhimasecondPulitzerPrizein1951.

HemovedtoaFlatRock,NorthCarolinaestate,Connemara,in1945andlivedthereuntilhisdeathin1967.

Sandburgsupportedthecivilrightsmovement,andcontributedtotheNAACP.

Works

CarlSandburgrentedaroominthishousewherehelivedforthreeyearswhilehewrotethepoem"Chicago".It'snowaChicagolandmark.MuchofCarlSandburg'spoetry,suchas"Chicago",focusedonChicago,Illinois,wherehespenttimeasareporterfortheChicagoDailyNewsandtheDayBook.Hismostfamousdescriptionofthecityisas"HogButcherfortheWorld/ToolMaker,StackerofWheat/PlayerwithRailroadsandtheNation'sFreightHandler,/Stormy,Husky,Brawling,CityoftheBigShoulders."

SandburgisalsorememberedbygenerationsofchildrenforhisRootabagaStoriesandRootabagaPigeons,aseriesofwhimsical,sometimesmelancholystoriesheoriginallycreatedforhisowndaughters.TheRootabagaStorieswerebornofSandburg'sdesirefor"Americanfairytales"tomatchAmericanchildhood.HefeltthattheEuropeanstoriesinvolvingroyaltyandknightswereinappropriate,andsopopulatedhisstorieswithskyscrapers,trains,cornfairiesandthe"FiveMarvelousPretzels".

SandburgearnedPulitzerPrizesforhiscollectionTheCompletePoemsofCarlSandburg,CornHuskers,andforhisbiographyofAbrahamLincoln(AbrahamLincoln:TheWarYears).HerecordedexcerptsfromthebiographyandsomeofLincoln'sspeechesforCaedmonRecordsinNewYorkCityinMay1957.HewasawardedaGrammyAwardin1959forBestPerformanceDocumentaryOrSpokenWord(OtherThanComedy)forhisrecordingofAaronCopland'sLincolnPortraitwiththeNewYorkPhilharmonic.

Legacy

CarlSandburg'sboyhoodhomeinGalesburgisnowoperatedbytheIllinoisHistoricPreservationAgencyastheCarlSandburgStateHistoricSite.ThesitecontainsthecottageSandburgwasbornin,amodernvisitor'scenter,andsmallgardenwithalargestonecalledRemembranceRock,underwhichheandhiswifeLilian'sashesareburied.Sandburg'shomeof22yearsinFlatRock,HendersonCounty,NorthCarolina,ispreservedbytheNationalParkServiceastheCarlSandburgHomeNationalHistoricSite.CarlSandburgCollegeislocatedinSandburg'sbirthplaceofGalesburg,Illinois.

CarlSandburgVillagewasaChicagourbanrenewalprojectofthe1960slocatedintheNearNorthSide,Chicago.Financedbythecity,itislocatedbetweenClarkandLaSalleSt.betweenDivisionStreetandNorthAve.Solomon&Cordwell,architects.In1979,CarlSandburgVillagewasconvertedtocondominiumownership.

Elmhurst,Illinois,renamedtheformerElmhurstJuniorHighSchoolas'CarlSandburgMiddleSchool,'inhishonorin1960.Sandburgspokeatthededicationceremony.Heresidedat331S.YorkStreetinElmhurstfrom1919to1930.Thehousewasdemolishedandthesiteisaparkinglot.In1954,CarlSandburgHighSchoolwasdedicatedinOrlandPark,Illinois.Mr.Sandburgwasinattendance,andstretchedwhatwassupposedtobeaonehoureventintoseveralhours,regalingstudentswithsongsandstories.Yearslater,hereturnedtotheschoolwithnoidentificationand,appearingtobeahobo,wasthrownoutbytheprincipal.WhenhelaterreturnedwithI.D.,theembarrassedprincipalcanceledtherestoftheschooldayandheldanassemblytohonorthevisit.In1959,CarlSandburgJuniorHighSchool


wasopenedinGoldenValley,Minnesota.CarlSandburgattendedthededicationoftheschool.In1988thenamewaschangedtoSandburgMiddleSchoolservicinggrades6,7,and8.Originallybuiltwithacapacityfor1,800studentstheschoolnowhas1,100studentsenrolled.SandburgMiddleschoolwasoneofthefirstschoolsinthestateofMinnesotatoofferacceleratedlearningprogramsforgiftedstudents.InDecember1961,CarlSandburgElementarySchoolwasdedicatedinSanBruno,California.Again,Sandburgcamefortheceremoniesandwasclearlyimpressedwiththefacesoftheyoungchildren,whogatheredaroundhim.Theschoolwasclosedinthe1980s,duetofallingenrollmentsintheSanBrunoParkSchoolDistrict.

InNeshaminySchoolDistrictoflowerBucksCountyresidesthesecondaryinstitutionCarlSandburgMiddleSchool.Locatedinthelobbyisafinishedsplittreetrunkwiththequoteengravedlengthwisehorizontally:"Manisbornwithrainbowsinhisheartandyou'llneverreadhimunlessyouconsiderrainbows".AnothersecondaryschoolbythesamenameislocatedsouthofAlexandria,Virginia,andispartoftheFairfaxCountyPublicSchoolsSchoolDistrict.SandburgHallsisastudentresidencehallattheUniversityofWisconsinMilwaukee.Thebuildingconsistsof4highrisetowerswithatotalhousingcapacityof2,700students.IthasanexteriorplaqueonSandburg'srolesasanorganizerfortheSocialDemocraticPartyandaspersonalsecretarytoEmilSeidel,Milwaukee'sfirstSocialistmayor.ThereareseveralotherschoolsnamedafterSandburginIllinois,includingthoseinWheaton,OrlandPark,Springfield,Mundelein,andJoliet.

Eserleri:

InRecklessEcstasy(1904)AbeLincolnGrowsUp(N/A)Incidentals(1904)PlaintofaRose(1908)Joseffy(1910)YouandYourJob(1910)ChicagoPoems(1916)Cornhuskers(1918)ChicagoRaceRiots(1919)ClarenceDarrowofChicago(1919)SmokeandSteel(1920)RootabagaStories(1922)SlabsoftheSunburntWest(1922)RootabagaPigeons(1923)SelectedPoems(1926)AbrahamLincoln:ThePrairieYears(1926)TheAmericanSongbag(1927)SongsofAmerica(1927)AbeLincolnGrowsUp(1928)GoodMorning,America(1928)SteichenthePhotographer(1929)EarlyMoon(1930)PotatoFace(1930)MaryLincoln:WifeandWidow(1932)ThePeople,Yes(1936)AbrahamLincoln:TheWarYears(1939)StormovertheLand(1942)RoadtoVictory(1942)HomeFrontMemo(1943)RemembranceRock(1948)LincolnCollector:thestoryoftheOliverR.BarrettLincolncollection(1949)TheNewAmericanSongbag(1950)CompletePoems(1950)Theweddingprocessionoftheragdollandthebroomhandleandwhowasinit(1950)AlwaystheYoungStrangers(1953)SelectedpoemsofCarlSandburg(1954)TheFamilyofMan(1955)Prairie-townboy(1955)SandburgRange(1957)


HarvestPoems,19101960(1960)WindSong(1960)HoneyandSalt(1963)TheLettersofCarlSandburg(1968)BreathingTokens(poetrybySandburg,editedbyMargaretSandburg)(1978)EvertheWindsofChance(1983)CarlSandburgatthemovies:apoetinthesilentera,19201927(1985)BillySundayandotherpoems(1993)Poemsforchildrennowherenearoldenoughtovote(1999)AbrahamLincoln:theprairieyearsandthewaryears(2007)


A Coin

Yourwesternheadsherecastonmoney,Youarethetwothatfadeawaytogether,Partnersinthemist.

Lungingbuffaloshoulder,LeanIndianface,WewhocomeafterwhereyouaregoneSaluteyourformsonthenewnickel.

YouareTous:Thepast.

RunnersOntheprairie:Good-by.

CarlSandburg


A Father To His Son

Afatherseeshissonnearingmanhood.Whatshallhetellthatson?'Lifeishard;besteel;bearock.'Andthismightstandhimforthestormsandservehimforhumdrummonotonyandguidehimamongsuddenbetrayalsandtightenhimforslackmoments.'Lifeisasoftloam;begentle;goeasy.'Andthistoomightservehim.Bruteshavebeengentledwherelashesfailed.Thegrowthofafrailflowerinapathuphassometimesshatteredandsplitarock.Atoughwillcounts.Sodoesdesire.Sodoesarichsoftwanting.Withoutrichwantingnothingarrives.Tellhimtoomuchmoneyhaskilledmenandleftthemdeadyearsbeforeburial:thequestoflucrebeyondafeweasyneedshastwistedgoodenoughmensometimesintodrythwartedworms.Tellhimtimeasastuffcanbewasted.Tellhimtobeafooleverysooftenandtohavenoshameoverhavingbeenafoolyetlearningsomethingoutofeveryfollyhopingtorepeatnoneofthecheapfolliesthusarrivingatintimateunderstandingofaworldnumberingmanyfools.Tellhimtobealoneoftenandgetathimselfandabovealltellhimselfnoliesabouthimselfwhateverthewhiteliesandprotectivefrontshemayuseagainstotherpeople.Tellhimsolitudeiscreativeifheisstrongandthefinaldecisionsaremadeinsilentrooms.Tellhimtobedifferentfromotherpeopleifitcomesnaturalandeasybeingdifferent.Lethimhavelazydaysseekinghisdeepermotives.Lethimseekdeepforwhereheisbornnatural.ThenhemayunderstandShakespeareandtheWrightbrothers,Pasteur,Pavlov,MichaelFaradayandfreeimaginationsBringingchangesintoaworldresentingchange.Hewillbelonelyenoughtohavetimefortheworkheknowsashisown.

CarlSandburg


A Fence

Nowthestonehouseonthelakefrontisfinishedandtheworkmenarebeginningthefence.Thepalingsaremadeofironbarswithsteelpointsthatcanstabthelifeoutofanymanwhofallsonthem.Asafence,itisamasterpiece,andwillshutofftherabbleandallvagabondsandhungrymenandallwanderingchildrenlookingforaplacetoplay.PassingthroughthebarsandoverthesteelpointswillgonothingexceptDeathandtheRainandTo-morrow.

CarlSandburg


A Million Young Work Men

Amillionyoungworkmenstraightandstronglaystiffonthegrassandroads,Andthemillionarenowundersoilandtheirrotteningfleshwillintheyearsfeedrootsofblood-redroses.Yes,thismillionofyoungworkmenslaughteredoneanotherandneversawtheirredhands.Andoh,itwouldhavebeenagreatjobofkillingandanewandbeautifulthingunderthesunifthemillionknewwhytheyhackedandtoreeachothertodeath.Thekingsaregrinning,theKaiserandtheczartheyarealiveridinginleather-seatedmotorcars,andtheyhavetheirwomenandrosesforease,andtheyeatfresh-poachedeggsforbreakfast,newbutterontoast,sittingintallwater-tighthousesreadingthenewsofwar.Idreamedamillionghostsoftheyoungworkmenroseintheirshirtsallsoakedincrimsonandyelled:Goddamnthegrinningkings,Goddamnthekaiserandtheczar.

CarlSandburg


A Sphinx

Close-mouthedyousatfivethousandyearsandneverletoutawhisper.Processionscameby,marchers,askingquestionsyouansweredwithgreyeyesneverblinking,shutlipsnevertalking.Notonecroakofanythingyouknowhascomefromyourcatcrouchofages.IamoneofthosewhoknowallyouknowandIkeepmyquestions:Iknowtheanswersyouhold.

CarlSandburg


A Tall Man

Themouthofthismanisagauntstrongmouth.Theheadofthismanisagauntstronghead.

ThejawsofthismanareboneoftheRockyMountains,theAppalachians.Theeyesofthismanarechlorineoftwosobbingoceans,Foam,salt,green,wind,thechangingunknown.Theneckofthismanispithofbuffaloprairie,oldlongingandnewbeckoningofcornbeltorcottonbelt,EitheraproudSequoiatrunkofthewildernessOrhuddlinglumberofasawmillwaitingtobearoof.

Brothermysterytomanandmobmystery,Brothercryptictoliftedcryptichands,Heisnightandabyss,heiswhiteskyofsun,heistheheadofthepeople.Theheartofhimthereddropsofthepeople,Thewishofhimthesteadygray-eaglecrag-huntingflightsofthepeople.

Humbledustofawheel-wornroad,Slashedsodundertheiron-shiningplow,Theseofserviceinhim,theseandmanycities,manyborders,manywranglesbetweenAlaskaandtheIsthmus,betweentheIsthmusandtheHorn,andeastandwestofOmaha,andeastandwestofParis,Berlin,Petrograd.Thebloodinhisrightwristandthebloodinhisleftwristrunwiththerightwristwisdomofthemanyandtheleftwristwisdomofthemany.Itisthemanyheknows,thegauntstronghungerofthemany.

CarlSandburg


A Teamster's Farewell

SobsEnRoutetoaPenitentiary

Good-bynowtothestreetsandtheclashofwheelsandlockinghubs,Thesuncomingonthebrassbucklesandharnessknobs.Themusclesofthehorsesslidingundertheirheavyhaunches,Good-bynowtothetrafficpolicemanandhiswhistle,Thesmashoftheironhoofonthestones,Allthecrazywonderfulslammingroarofthestreet--OGod,there'snoisesI'mgoingtobehungryfor.

CarlSandburg


A.E.F.

Therewillbearustygunonthewall,sweetheart,Theriflegroovescurlingwithflakesofrust.Aspiderwillmakeasilverstringnestinthedarkest,warmestcornerofit.Thetriggerandtherange-finder,theytoowillberusty.Andnohandswillpolishthegun,anditwillhangonthewall.Forefingersandthumbswillpointcasuallytowardit.Itwillbespokenamonghalf-forgotten,whished-to-be-forgottenthings.Theywilltellthespider:Goon,you'redoinggoodwork.

CarlSandburg


Accomplished Facts

EveryyearEmilyDickinsonsentonefriendthefirstarbutusbudinhergarden.

InalastwillandtestamentAndrewJacksonrememberedafriendwiththegiftofGeorgeWashingtonspocketspy-glass.

Napoleontoo,inalasttestament,mentionedasilverwatchtakenfromthebedroomofFredericktheGreat,andpassedalongthistrophytoaparticularfriend.

O.Henrytookabloodcarnationfromhiscoatlapelandhandedittoacountrygirlstartingworkinabeanbazaar,andscribbled:Peachblossomsmayormaynotstaypinkincitydust.Soitgoes.Somethingswebuy,somenot.TomJeffersonwasproudofhisradishes,andAbeLincolnblackedhisownboots,andBismarckcalledBerlinawildernessofbrickandnewspapers.

Soitgoes.Thereareaccomplishedfacts.Ride,ride,rideoninthegreatnewblimpsCrossunheard-ofoceans,circletheplanet.Whenyoucomebackwemaysitbyfivehollyhocks.Wemightlistentoboysfightingformarbles.Thegrasshopperwilllookgoodtous.

Soitgoes

CarlSandburg


Adelaide Crapsey

Amongthebumble-beesinred-tophay,afreckledfieldofbrown-eyedSusansdrippingyellowleavesinJuly,Ireadyourheartinabook.

AndyourmouthofbluepansyIknowsomewhereIhaveseenitrain-shattered.

AndIhaveseenawomanwithherheadflungbetweenhernakedknees,andherheadheldtherelisteningtothesea,thegreatnakedseashoulderingaloadofsalt.

Andthebluepansymouthsangtothesea:MotherofGod,Imsolittleathing,Letmesinglonger,Onlyalittlelonger.

Andtheseashouldereditssaltinlonggraycombershaulingnewshapesonthebeachsand.

CarlSandburg


Alix

ThemareAlixbreakstheworldstrottingrecordoneday.IseeherheelsflashdownthedustofanIllinoisracetrackonasummerafternoon.Iseethetimekeepersputtheirheadstogetheroverstopwatches,andcalltothegrandstandasplitsecondisclippedofftheoldworldsrecordandanewworldsrecordfixed.

IseethemareAlixledawaybymeninundershirtsandstreakedfaces.DrippingAlixinfoamofwhiteontheharnessandshafts.Andthemeninundershirtskissherearsandrubhernose,andtieblanketsonher,andtakeherawaytohavethesweatsponged.

Iseethegrandstandjammedwithprairiepeopleyellingthemselveshoarse.Almostthegrandstandandthecrowdofthousandsareonepairoflegsandonevoicestandingupandyellinghurrah.

IseethedriverofAlixandtheownersmotheredinafuryofhandshakes,amobofcaresses.Iseethewivesofthedriverandownersmotheredinacrushofwhitesummerdressesandparasols.

Hourslater,atsundown,graydewcreepingonthesodandsheds,IseeAlixagain:Dark,shining-velvetAlix,Night-skyAlixinagrayblanket,Ledbackandforthbyanigger.Velvetandnight-eyedAlixWithslimlegsofsteel.

AndIwanttorubmynoseagainstthenoseofthemareAlix.

CarlSandburg


All Day Long

Alldaylonginfogandwind,ThewaveshaveflungtheirbeatingcrestsAgainstthepalisadesofadamant.Myboy,hewenttosea,longandlongago,Curlsofbrownwereslippingunderneathhiscap,Helookedatmefromblueandsteelyeyes;Natty,straightandtrue,hesteppedaway,Myboy,hewenttosea.Alldaylonginfogandwind,ThewaveshaveflungtheirbeatingcrestsAgainstthepalisadesofadamant.

CarlSandburg


Alley Rats

Theywerecallingcertainstylesofwhiskersbythenameoflilacs.AndanothermannerofbeardassumedintheirchatteraverbalguiseOfmuttonchops,galways,featherdusters.

MetaphorssuchasthesesprangfromtheirlipswhileotherstreetcriesSprangfromsparrowsfindingscatteredoatsamongintersticesofthecurb.Ah-hahthesemetaphorsandAh-hahtheseboysamongthepolicetheywereknownAstheDirtyDozenandtheirnamestookthefrontpagesofnewspapersAndtwoofthemcroakedonthesamedayatanecktiepartyifweemploythemetaphorsoftheirlips.

CarlSandburg


Always The Mob

Jesusemptiedthedevilsofonemanintofortyhogsandthehogstooktheedgeofahighrockanddroppedoffanddownintothesea:amob.

ThesheeponthehillsofAustralia,blunderingfourfootedinthesunsetmisttothedark,theygooneway,theyhuntonesleep,theyfindonepocketofgrassforall.

Karnak?Pyramids?Sphinxpawstallasacoolie?Tombskeptforkingsandsacredcows?Amob.

YoungroastpigsandnakeddancinggirlsofBelshazzar,theroomwhereathousandsatguzzlingwhenahandwrote:Mene,mene,tekel,upharsin?Amob.

ThehoneycombofgreenthatwonthesunastheHangingGardensofNineveh,flewtoitsshapeatthehandsofamobthatfollowedthefingersofNebuchadnezzar:amobofonehandandoneplan.

StonesofacircleofhillsatAthens,staircasesofamountaininPeru,scatteredclansofmarbledragonsinChina:eachamobontherimofasunrise:hammersandwagonshavethemnow.

LocksandgatesofPanama?TheUnionPacificcrossingdesertsandtunnelingmountains?TheWoolworthonlandandtheTitanicatsea?LighthousesblinkingacoastlinefromLabradortoKeyWest?PigironbarspiledonabargewhistlinginafogoffSheboygan?Amob:hammersandwagonshavethemto-morrow.

Themob?Atyphoontearinglooseanislandfromthousand-yearmooringsandbastions,shootingavolcanicashwithafiretonguethatlicksupcitiesandpeoples.Layersofwormseatingrocksandformingloamandvalleyfloorsforpotatoes,wheat,watermelons.

Themob?Ajagoflightning,ageyser,agravelmassloosening

ThemobkillsorbuildsthemobisAttilaorGhengisKhan,themobisNapoleon,Lincoln.

IamborninthemobIdieinthemobthesamegoesforyouIdontcarewhoyouare.

IcrossthesheetsoffireinNoManslandforyou,mybrotherIslipasteeltoothintoyourthroat,youmybrotherIdieforyouandIkillyouItisatwistedandgnarledthing,acrimsonwool:Onemorearchofstars,Inthenightofourmist,Inthenightofourtears.

CarlSandburg


Among the Red Guns

Amongtheredguns,IntheheartsofsoldiersRunningfreebloodInthelong,longcampaign:Dreamsgoon.

Amongtheleathersaddles,IntheheadsofsoldiersHeavyinthewracksandkillsOfallstraightfighting:Dreamsgoon.

Amongthehotmuzzles,InthehandsofsoldiersBroughtfromflesh-foldsofwomen--Softamidthebloodandcrying--InallyourheartsandheadsAmongthegunsandsaddlesandmuzzles:

Dreams,Dreamsgoon,Outofthedeadontheirbacks,Brokenandnouseanymore:Dreamsofthewayandtheendgoon.

CarlSandburg


An Electric Sign Goes Dark

Poland,France,Judearaninherveins,SingingtoParisforbread,singingtoGothaminafizzatthepopofabottlescork.

WontyoucomeandplaywizmeshesangandIjustcantmakemyeyesbehave.Higgeldy-Piggeldy,PapasWife,FollowMewereplays.

Didshewashherfeetinatubofmilk?Wasastrandofpearlssneakedfromhertrunk?Thenewspapersasked.Cigarettes,tulips,pacinghorses,tookhername.

TwentyyearsoldthirtyfortyForty-fiveandthedoctorsfathomnothing,thedoctorsquarrel,thedoctorsusesilvertubesfeedingtwenty-fourquartsofbloodintotheveins,therespectsofaprize-fighter,acabdriver.Andalittlemouthmoans:ItiseasytodiewhentheyaredyingsomanygranddeathsinFrance.

Avoice,ashape,gone.AbabybundlefromWarsawlegs,torso,headonahotelbedatTheSavoy.Thewhitechiselingsoffleshthatflungthemselvesinsomersaults,straddles,forpackedhouses:Amemory,astageandfootlightsout,anelectricsignonBroadwaydark.

Shebelongedtosomebody,nobody.Noonemanownedher,notennorathousand.Shebelongedtomanythousandmen,loversofthewhitechiselingofarmsandshoulders,theivoryofalaugh,thebellsofsong.

RailroadbrakementakingtrainsacrossNebraskaprairies,lumbermenjauntinginpineandtamarackoftheNorthwest,stockranchersinthemiddlewest,mayorsofsoutherncitiesSaytotheirpalsandwivesnow:IseebythepapersAnnaHeldisdead.

CarlSandburg


And They Obey

Smashdownthecities.Knockthewallstopieces.Breakthefactoriesandcathedrals,warehousesandhomesIntoloosepilesofstoneandlumberandblackburntwood:Youarethesoldiersandwecommandyou.Buildupthecities.Setupthewallsagain.Puttogetheroncemorethefactoriesandcathedrals,warehousesandhomesIntobuildingsforlifeandlabor:Youareworkmenandcitizensall:Wecommandyou.

CarlSandburg


And This Will Be All....

Andthiswillbeall?Andthegateswillneveropenagain?AndthedustandthewindwillplayaroundtherustydoorhingesandthesongsofOctobermoan,Why-oh,why-oh?

AndyouwilllooktothemountainsAndthemountainswilllooktoyouAndyouwillwishyouwereamountainAndthemountainwillwishnothingatall?Thiswillbeall?Thegateswillnever-neveropenagain?

ThedustandthewindonlyAndtherustydoorhingesandmoaningOctoberAndWhy-oh,why-oh,inthemoaningdryleaves,Thiswillbeall?

NothingintheairbutsongsAndnosingers,nomouthstoknowthesongs?Youtellusawomanwithaheartachetellsyouitisso?Thiswillbeall?

CarlSandburg


Anna Imroth

Crossthehandsoverthebreasthere--so.Straightenthelegsalittlemore--so.Andcallforthewagontocomeandtakeherhome.Hermotherwillcrysomeandsowillhersistersandbrothers.Butalloftheothersgotdownandtheyaresafeandthisistheonlyoneofthefactorygirlswhowasn'tluckyinmakingthejumpwhenthefirebroke.ItisthehandofGodandthelackoffireescapes.

CarlSandburg


Aprons of Silence

ManythingsImighthavesaidtoday.AndIkeptmymouthshut.SomanytimesIwasaskedTocomeandsaythesamethingsEverybodywassaying,noendTotheyes-yes,yes-yes,me-too,me-too.

Theapronsofsilencecoveredme.Awireandhatchheldmytongue.Ispitnailsintoanabyssandlistened.IshutoffthegableofJones,Johnson,Smith,Allwhosenamestakepagesinthecitydirectory.

Ifixedupapaddedcellandluggeditaround.Ilockedmyselfinandnobodyknewit.OnlythekeeperandthekeptinthehoosegowKnewit--onthestreets,inthepostoffice,Onthecars,intotherailroadstationWherethecallerwascalling,"Alla-board,Alla-boardfor...Blaa-blaa...Blaa-blaa,Blaa-blaa...andallpointsnorthwest...alla-board."HereItookalongmyownhoosegowAnddidbusinesswithmyownthoughts.Doyousee?Itmustbetheapronsofsilence.

CarlSandburg


Arithmetic

Arithmeticiswherenumbersflylikepigeonsinandoutofyourhead.Arithmetictellyouhowmanyyouloseorwinifyouknowhowmanyyouhadbeforeyoulostorwon.Arithmeticissevenelevenallgoodchildrengotoheaven--orfivesixbundleofsticks.Arithmeticisnumbersyousqueezefromyourheadtoyourhandtoyourpenciltoyourpapertillyougettheanswer.Arithmeticiswheretheanswerisrightandeverythingisniceandyoucanlookoutofthewindowandseethebluesky--ortheansweriswrongandyouhavetostartalloverandtryagainandseehowitcomesoutthistime.Ifyoutakeanumberanddoubleitanddoubleitagainandthendoubleitafewmoretimes,thenumbergetsbiggerandbiggerandgoeshigherandhigherandonlyarithmeticcantellyouwhatthenumberiswhenyoudecidetoquitdoubling.Arithmeticiswhereyouhavetomultiply--andyoucarrythemultiplicationtableinyourheadandhopeyouwon'tloseit.Ifyouhavetwoanimalcrackers,onegoodandonebad,andyoueatoneandastripedzebrawithstreaksalloverhimeatstheother,howmanyanimalcrackerswillyouhaveifsomebodyoffersyoufivesixsevenandyousayNononoandyousayNaynaynayandyousayNixnixnix?Ifyouaskyourmotherforonefriedeggforbreakfastandshegivesyoutwofriedeggsandyoueatbothofthem,whoisbetterinarithmetic,youoryourmother?

CarlSandburg


Ashurnatsirpal III

ThreewallsaroundthetownofTelawhenIcame.Theyexpectedeverythingofthosewalls;Nobodyinthetowncameouttokissmyfeet.

Iknockedthewallsdown,killedthreethousandsoldiers,Tookawaycattleandsheep,tookallthelootinsight,Andburnedspecialcaptives.

SomeofthesoldiersIcutoffhandsandfeet.OthersIcutoffearsandfingers.SomeIputouttheeyes.Imadeapyramidofheads.Istrungheadsontreescirclingthetown.

WhenIgotthroughwithitTherewasntmuchleftofthetownofTela.

CarlSandburg


At a Window

Givemehunger,OyougodsthatsitandgiveTheworlditsorders.Givemehunger,painandwant,ShutmeoutwithshameandfailureFromyourdoorsofgoldandfame,Givemeyourshabbiest,weariesthunger!

Butleavemealittlelove,Avoicetospeaktomeinthedayend,AhandtotouchmeinthedarkroomBreakingthelongloneliness.Intheduskofday-shapesBlurringthesunset,Onelittlewandering,westernstarThrustoutfromthechangingshoresofshadow.Letmegotothewindow,Watchtheretheday-shapesofduskAndwaitandknowthecomingOfalittlelove.

CarlSandburg


Autumn Movement

Icriedoverbeautifulthingsknowingnobeautifulthinglasts.

Thefieldofcornfloweryellowisascarfattheneckofthecoppersunburnedwoman,themotheroftheyear,thetakerofseeds.

Thenorthwestwindcomesandtheyellowistornfullofholes,newbeautifulthingscomeinthefirstspitofsnowonthenorthwestwind,andtheoldthingsgo,notonelasts.

CarlSandburg


Aztec

YoucamefromtheAztecsWithacopperonyourfore-armsTawnierthanasunsetSayinggood-bytoanevenriver.

AndIsaid,youremember,Thosefore-armsofyoursWerefinerthanbronzesAndyouwereglad.

ItwastearsAndapathwestandahome-goingwhenIaskedWhytherewerescarsofworngoldWhereamansringwasfixedonceOnyourthirdfinger.AndIcallyouTocomebackbeforethedaysarelonger.

CarlSandburg


Aztec Mask

IwantedamansfacelookingintothejawsandthroatoflifeWithsomethingproudonhisface,soproudnosmashofthejaws,NogulpofthethroatleavesthefaceintheendWithanythingelsethantheoldproudlook:Eventothefinish,dumpedinthedust,Lostamongtheused-upcinders,Thisface,menwouldsay,isaflash,Islaidonbonestakenfromtheribsoftheearth,Readyforthehammersofchanging,changingyears,Readyforthesleeping,sleepingyearsofsilence.Readyforthedustandfireandwind.IwantedthisfaceandIsawittodayinanAztecmask.Acryoutofstormanddark,aredyellandapurpleprayer,Abeatenshapeofasheswaitingthesunriseornight,somethingornothing,proud-mouthed,proud-eyedgambler.

CarlSandburg


Baby Face

Whitemooncomesinonababyface.Theshaftsacrossherbedareflimmering.

OutonthelandWhiteMoonshines,Shinesandglimmersagainstgnarledshadows,AllsilvertoslowtwistedshadowsFallingacrossthelongroadthatrunsfromthehouse.

KeepalittleofyourbeautyAndsomeofyourflimmeringsilverForherbythewindowto-nightWhereyoucomein,WhiteMoon.

CarlSandburg


Baby Toes

Thereisabluestar,Janet,Fifteenyearsridefromus,Ifwerideahundredmilesanhour.

Thereisawhitestar,Janet,Fortyyearsridefromus,Ifwerideahundredmilesanhour.

ShallwerideTothebluestarOrthewhitestar?

CarlSandburg


Baby Vamps

Babyvamps,isitharderworkthanitusedtobe?Arethenewsodaparlorsworsethantheoldtimesaloons?Babyvamps,doyouhavejobsinthedaytimeoristhisallyoudo?doyoucomeoutonlyatnight?Inthewinterattheskatingrinks,inthesummerattherollercoasterparks,Whereverfigureeightsarecarved,byskatesinwinter,byrollercoastersinsummer,Whereverthewhirligigsaregoingandchickenspanishandhotdogaresold,Thereyoucome,gigglingbabyvamp,thereyoucomewithyourbluebabyeyes,saying:

Takemealong.

CarlSandburg


Back Yard

Shineon,Omoonofsummer.Shinetotheleavesofgrass,catalpaandoak,Allsilverunderyourrainto-night.

AnItalianboyissendingsongstoyouto-nightfromanaccordion.APolishboyisoutwithhisbestgirl;theymarrynextmonth;to-nighttheyarethrowingyoukisses.

Anoldmannextdoorisdreamingoverasheenthatsitsinacherrytreeinhisbackyard.

TheclockssayImustgoIstayheresittingonthebackporchdrinkingwhitethoughtsyouraindown.

Shineon,Omoon,Shakeoutmoreandmoresilverchanges.

CarlSandburg


Balloon Faces

TheBalloonshangonwiresintheMarigoldGardens.Theyspottheiryellowandgold,theyjuggletheirblueandred,theyfloattheirfacesonthefaceofthesky.Balloonfaceeaterssitbyhundredsreadingtheeatcards,asking,Whatshallweeat?andthewaiters,Haveyouordered?theyaresixtyballoonfacessiftingwhiteoverthetuxedoes.Poets,lawyers,admen,masoncontractors,smartalecksdiscussingeducatedjackasses,heretheyputcrabsintotheirballoonfaces.Heresittheheavyballoonfacewomenliftingcrimsonlobstersintotheircrimsonfaces,lobstersoutofSaragossaseabottoms.Heresitsamancross-examiningawoman,Wherewereyoulastnight?Whatdoyoudowithallyourmoney?Whosbuyingyourshoesnow,anyhow?Sotheysiteatingwhitefish,twoballoonfacessweptonGodsnightwind.Andallthetimetheballoonspotsonthewires,alittlemileoffestoons,theyplaytheirownsilenceplayoffilmyellowandfilmgold,bubbleblueandbubblered.Thewindcrossesthetown,thewindfromthewestsidecomestothebanksofmarigoldsboxedintheMarigoldGardens.Nightmothsflyandfixtheirfeetintheleavesandeatandareseenbytheeaters.Thejazzoutfitsweatsandthedrumsandthesaxophonesreachfortheearsoftheeaters.ThechorusbroughtfromBroadwayworksatthefunandtheslouchoftheirshoulders,thekickoftheirankles,reachfortheeyesoftheeaters.ThesegirlsfromKokomoandPeoria,thesehungrygirls,sincetheyarepaid-for,letuslookonandlisten,letusgettheirnumber.

WhydoIgoagaintotheballoonsonthewires,somethingfornothing,kinwomenofthehalf-moon,dreamwomen?Andthehalf-moonswingingonthewindcrossingthetownthesetwo,thehalf-moonandthewindthiswillbeaboutall,thiswillbeaboutall.

Eaters,gotoit;yourmazumapaysforitall;itsaknockout,aclassyknockoutandpaydayalwayscomes.

CarlSandburg


Baltic Fog Notes

Sevendaysallfog,allmist,andtheturbinespoundingthroughhighseas.Iwasaplaything,aratsneckintheteethofascufflingmastiff.Fogandfogandnostars,sun,moon.Thenanafternooninfjords,low-lyinglandsscrawledingranitelanguagesonagraysky,Anightharbor,blueduskmountainshouldersagainstanightsky,Andacircleoflightsblinking:Ninetythousandpeoplehere.AmongtheWednesdaynightthousandsingoloshesandcoatsslickeredforrain,IlearnedhowhungryIwasforstreetsandpeople.

Iwouldratherbewaterthananythingelse.IsawadriveofsaltfogandmistintheNorthAtlanticandanicebergduskyasacloudinthegrayofmorning.AndIsawthedreampoolsoffjordsinNorwayandthescarfofdancingwaterontherocksandovertheedgesofmountainshelves.BurymeinamountaingraveyardinNorway.Threetonguesofwatersingarounditwithsnowfromthemountains.

BurymeintheNorthAtlantic.AfogtherefromIcelandwillbeamurmuringrayovermeandalongdeepwindsobalways.

BurymeinanIllinoiscornfield.Theblizzardsloosentheirpipeorganvoluntariesinwinterstubbleandthespringrainsandthefallrainsbringlettersfromthesea.

CarlSandburg


Band Concert

BandconcertpublicsquareNebraskacity.Flowingandcirclingdresses,summer-whitedresses.Faces,fleshtintsflunglikespraysofcherryblossoms.Andgigglers,Godknows,gigglers,rivalingtheponywhinniesoftheLiveryStableBlues.

Cowboyragsandniggerrags.Andboysdrivingsorrelhorseshurlacornfieldlaughteratthegirlsindresses,summer-whitedresses.Amidthecornetstaccatoandthetubaoompa,gigglers,Godknows,gigglersdaffywithlifesrazzledazzle.

Slowgood-nightmelodiesandHomeSweetHome.Andthesnaredrummerbookkeeperinahardwarestorenodshellotothedaughterofarailroadconductoragiggler,Godknows,agigglerandthesummer-whitedressesfilterfanwiseoutofthepublicsquare.

Thecrushedstrawberriesoficecreamsodaplaces,thenightwindincottonwoodsandwillows,thelatticeshadowsofdoorstepsandporches,theseknowmoreofthestory.

CarlSandburg


Basket

speak,sir,andbewise.Speakchoosingyourwords,sir,likeanoldwomanoverabushelofapples.

CarlSandburg


Bas-Relief

Fivegeesedeploymysteriously.Onwardproudlywithflagstaffs,Hearseswithsilverbugles,Bushesofplum-blossomsdroppingFortenmysticweb-feet--Eachhisowndrum-major,EachchargedwiththehonorOftheancientgoosenation,Eachwithanose-lengthsurpassingThenose-lengthsofrivalnations.Somberly,slowly,unimpeachably,Fivegeesedeploymysteriously.

CarlSandburg


Bath

Amansawthewholeworldasagrinningskullandcross-bones.Therosefleshoflifeshriveledfromallfaces.Nothingcounts.Everythingisafake.Dusttodustandashestoashesandthenanolddarknessandauselesssilence.Sohesawitall.ThenhewenttoaMischaElmanconcert.Twohourswavesofsoundbeatonhiseardrums.Musicwashedsomethingorotherinsidehim.Musicbrokedownandrebuiltsomethingorotherinhisheadandheart.HejoinedinfiveencoresfortheyoungRussianJewwiththefiddle.Whenhegotoutsidehisheelshitthesidewalkanewway.Hewasthesamemaninthesameworldasbefore.Onlytherewasasingingfireandaclimbofroseseverlastinglyovertheworldhelookedon.

CarlSandburg


Between Two Hills

BetweentwohillsTheoldtownstands.ThehousesloomAndtheroofsandtreesAndtheduskandthedark,ThedampandthedewArethere.

TheprayersaresaidAndthepeoplerestForsleepisthereAndthetouchofdreamsIsoverall.

CarlSandburg


Blacklisted

WhyshallIkeeptheoldname?Whatisanameanywhereanyway?Anameisacheapthingallfathersandmothersleaveeachchild:AjobisajobandIwanttolive,soWhydoesGodAlmightyoranybodyelsecarewhetherItakeanewnametogoby?

CarlSandburg


Blue Island Intersection

Sixstreetscometogetherhere.Theyfeedpeopleandwagonsintothecenter.Inandoutalldayhorseswiththoughtsofnose-bags,Menwithshovels,womenwithbasketsandbaby-buggies.Sixendsofstreetsandnosleepforthemallday.Thepeopleandwagonscomeandgo,outandin.Trianglesofbanksanddrugstoreswatch.Thepolicemenwhistle,thetrollycarsbump:Wheels,wheels,feet,feet,allday.

InthefalsedawnwhenthechickensblinkAndtheeastshakesalazybabytoeattomorrow,Andtheeastfixesalazypinkhalf-eyethisway,InthetimewhenonlyonemilkwagoncrossesThesethreestreets,thesesixstreetends,Itisthesleeptimeandtheyrest.Thetrianglebanksandthedrugstoresrest.Thepolicemanisgone,hisstarandgunsleep.Theowlcarbluttersalonginasleepwalk.

CarlSandburg


'Boes

Iwaitedtodayforafreighttraintopass.Cattlecarswithsteersbuttingtheirhornsagainstthebars,wentby.Andahalfadozenhoboesstoodonbumpersbetweencars.Well,thecattlearerespectable,Ithought.Everysteerhasitstransportationpaidforbythefarmersendingittomarket,Whilethehoboesarelaw-breakersinridingarailroadtrainwithoutaticket.ItremindedmeoftendaysIspentintheAlleghenyCountyjailinPittsburgh.IgottendayseventhoughIwasaveteranoftheSpanish-Americanwar.Coopedinthesamecellwithmewasanoldman,abricklayerandabooze-fighter.Butitjusthappenedhe,too,wasaveteransoldier,andhehadfoughttopreservetheUnionandfreetheniggers.Wewerethreeinall,theotherbeingaLithuanianwhogotdrunkonpaydayatthesteelworksandgottofightingapoliceman;Alltheclotheshehadwasashirt,pantsandshoes--somebodygothishatandcoatandwhatmoneyhehadleftoverwhenhegotdrunk.

CarlSandburg


Bones

Slingmeunderthesea.Packmedowninthesaltandwet.Nofarmersplowshalltouchmybones.NoHamletholdmyjawsandspeakHowjokesaregoneandemptyismymouth.Long,green-eyedscavengersshallpickmyeyes,Purplefishplayhide-and-seek,AndIshallbesongofthunder,crashofsea,Downonthefloorsofsaltandwet.Slingmeunderthesea.

CarlSandburg


Bricklayer Love

IthoughtofkillingmyselfbecauseIamonlyabricklayerandyouawomanwholovesthemanwhorunsadrugstore.

Idon'tcarelikeIusedto;IlaybricksstraighterthanIusedtoandIsingslowerhandlingthetrowelafternoons.

Whenthesunisinmyeyesandtheladdersareshakyandthemortarboardsgowrong,Ithinkofyou.

CarlSandburg


Bringers

CovermeoverInduskanddustanddreams.

CovermeoverAndleavemealone.

Covermeover,Youtireless,great.

Hearmeandcoverme,Bringersofduskanddustanddreams.

CarlSandburg


Broadway

Ishallneverforgetyou,BroadwayYourgoldenandcallinglights.

Illrememberyoulong,Tall-walledriverofrushandplay.

HeartsthatknowyouhateyouAndlipsthathavegivenyoulaughterHavegonetotheirashesoflifeanditsroses,CursingthedreamsthatwerelostInthedustofyourharshandtrampledstones.

CarlSandburg


Broken Tabernacles

HaveIbrokenthesmallertabernacles,OLord?Andinthedestructionofthesesetupthegreaterandmassive,theeverlastingtabernacles?Iknownothingtoday,whatIhavedoneandwhy,OLord,onlyIhavebrokenandbrokentabernacles.Theywerebeautifulinaway,thesetabernaclestorndownbystronghandsswearingTheywerebeautifulwhydidthehypocritescarvetheirownnamesonthecorner-stones?whydidthehypocriteskeeponsingingtheirownnamesintheirlongnoseseverySundayinthesetabernacles?Wholaysanyblamehereamongthesplitcornerstones?

CarlSandburg


Bronzes

I

ThebronzeGeneralGrantridingabronzehorseinLinc-olnParkShrivelsinthesunbydaywhenthemotorcarswhirrbyinlongprocessionsgoingsomewheretokeepap-pointmentfordinnerandmatinesandbuyingandsellingThoughintheduskandnightfallwhenhighwavesarepilingOntheslabsofthepromenadealongthelakeshorenearbyIhaveseenthegeneraldarethecomberscomecloserAndmaketoridehisbronzehorseoutintothehoofsandgunsofthestorm.

II

IcrossLincolnParkonawinternightwhenthesnowisfalling.Lincolninbronzestandsamongthewhitelinesofsnow,hisbronzeforeheadmeetingsoftechoesofthenew-siescryingfortythousandmenaredeadalongtheYser,hisbronzeearslisteningtothemumbledroarofthecityathisbronzefeet.AlitheIndianonabronzepony,Shakespeareseatedwithlonglegsinbronze,Garibaldiinabronzecape,theyholdplacesinthecold,lonelysnowto-nightontheirpedestalsandsotheywillholdthempastmidnightandintothedawn.

CarlSandburg


Buttons

Ihavebeenwatchingthewarmapslammedupforadvertisinginfrontofthenewspaperoffice.Buttonsredandyellowbuttonsblueandblackbuttonsareshovedbackandforthacrossthemap.

Alaughingyoungman,sunnywithfreckles,Climbsaladder,yellsajoketosomebodyinthecrowd,AndthenfixesayellowbuttononeinchwestAndfollowstheyellowbuttonwithablackbuttononeinchwest.

(Tenthousandmenandboystwistontheirbodiesinaredsoakalongariveredge,Gaspingofwounds,callingforwater,somerattlingdeathintheirthroats.)Whowouldguesswhatitcosttomovetwobuttonsoneinchonthewarmaphereinfrontofthenewspaperofficewherethefreckle-facedyoungmanislaughingtous?

CarlSandburg


Chamfort

There'sChamfort.Hesasample.Lockedhimselfinhislibrarywithagun,Shotoffhisnoseandshotouthisrighteye.AndthisChamfortknewhowtowriteAndthousandsreadhisbooksonhowtolive,ButhehimselfdidntknowHowtodiebyforceofhisownhandsee?TheyfoundhimaredpoolonthecarpetCoolasanAprilforenoon,Talkingandtalkinggaymaximsandgrimepigrams.Well,heworebandagesoverhisnoseandrighteye,DrankcoffeeandchattedmanyyearsWithmenandwomenwholovedhimBecausehelaughedanddailydaredDeath:Comeandtakeme.

CarlSandburg


Chicago

HogButcherfortheWorld,ToolMaker,StackerofWheat,PlayerwithRailroadsandtheNation'sFreightHandler;Stormy,husky,brawling,CityoftheBigShoulders:

TheytellmeyouarewickedandIbelievethem,forIhaveseenyourpaintedwomenunderthegaslampsluringthefarmboys.AndtheytellmeyouarecrookedandIanswer:Yes,itistrueIhaveseenthegunmankillandgofreetokillagain.Andtheytellmeyouarebrutalandmyreplyis:OnthefacesofwomenandchildrenIhaveseenthemarksofwantonhunger.AndhavingansweredsoIturnoncemoretothosewhosneeratthismycity,andIgivethembackthesneerandsaytothem:Comeandshowmeanothercitywithliftedheadsingingsoproudtobealiveandcoarseandstrongandcunning.Flingingmagneticcursesamidthetoilofpilingjobonjob,hereisatallboldsluggersetvividagainstthelittlesoftcities;

Fierceasadogwithtonguelappingforaction,cunningasasavagepittedagainstthewilderness,

Bareheaded,Shoveling,Wrecking,Planning,Building,breaking,rebuilding,

Underthesmoke,dustalloverhismouth,laughingwithwhiteteeth,Undertheterribleburdenofdestinylaughingasayoungmanlaughs,Laughingevenasanignorantfighterlaughswhohasneverlostabattle,Braggingandlaughingthatunderhiswrististhepulse,andunderhisribstheheartofthepeople,

Laughing!

Laughingthestormy,husky,brawlinglaughterofYouth,half-naked,sweating,proudtobeHogButcher,ToolMaker,StackerofWheat,PlayerwithRailroadsandFreightHandlertotheNation.

CarlSandburg


Chicago Poet

Isalutedanobody.Isawhiminalooking-glass.Hesmiled--sodidI.Hecrumpledtheskinonhisforehead,frowning--sodidI.EverythingIdidhedid.Isaid,"Hello,Iknowyou."AndIwasaliartosayso.

Ah,this.looking-glassman!Liar,fool,dreamer,play-actor,Soldier,dustydrinkerofdust--Ah!hewillgowithmeDownthedarkstairwayWhennobodyelseislooking,Wheneverybodyelseisgone.

Helockshiselbowinmine,Iloseall--butnothim.

CarlSandburg


Child

Theyoungchild,Christ,isstraightandwiseAndasksquestionsoftheoldmen,questionsFoundunderrunningwaterforallchildrenAndfoundundershadowsthrownonstillwatersBytalltreeslookingdownward,oldandgnarled.Foundtotheeyesofchildrenalone,untold,Singingalowsongintheloneliness.Andtheyoungchild,Christ,goesonaskingAndtheoldmenanswernothingandonlyknowloveFortheyoungchild.Christ,straightandwise.

CarlSandburg


Child Moon

Thechild'swonderAttheoldmoonComesbacknightly.ShepointsherfingerTothefarsilentyellowthingShiningthroughthebranchesFilteringontheleavesagoldensand,Cryingwithherlittletongue,Seethemoon!AndinherbedfadingtosleepWithbabblingsofthemoononherlittlemouth.

CarlSandburg


Child of the Romans

ThedagoshovelmansitsbytherailroadtrackEatinganoonmealofbreadandbologna.Atrainwhirlsby,andmenandwomenattablesAlivewithredrosesandyellowjonquils,Eatsteaksrunningwithbrowngravy,Strawberriesandcream,eclairesandcoffee.Thedagoshovelmanfinishesthedrybreadandbologna,Washesitdownwithadipperfromthewater-boy,Andgoesbacktothesecondhalfofaten-hourdaysworkKeepingtheroad-bedsotherosesandjonquilsShakehardlyatallinthecutglassvasesStandingslenderonthetablesinthediningcars.

CarlSandburg


Choices

Theyofferyoumanythings,Iafew.MoonlightontheplayoffountainsatnightWithwatersparklingadrowsymonotone,Bare-shouldered,smilingwomenandtalkAndacross-playoflovesandadulteriesAndafearofdeathandarememberingofregrets:Allthistheyofferyou.Icomewith:saltandbreadaterriblejobofworkandtirelesswar;Comeandhavenow:hunger.dangerandhate.

CarlSandburg


Choose

Thesingleclenchedfistliftedandready,Ortheopenaskinghandheldoutandwaiting.Choose:Forwemeetbyoneortheother.

CarlSandburg


Clark Street Bridge

DustofthefeetAnddustofthewheels,Wagonsandpeoplegoing,Alldayfeetandwheels.

Now.....OnlystarsandmistAlonelypoliceman,Twocabaretdancers,Starsandmistagain,Nomorefeetorwheels,Nomoredustandwagons.

VoicesofdollarsAnddropsofblood.....Voicesofbrokenhearts,..Voicessinging,singing,..Silvervoices,singing,Softerthanthestars,Softerthanthemist.

CarlSandburg


Cool Tombs

WhenAbrahamLincolnwasshoveledintothetombsheforgotthecopperheadsandtheassassin...inthedust,inthecooltombs.

AndUlyssesGrantlostallthoughtofconmenandWallStreet,cashandcollateralturnedashes...inthedust,inthecooltombs.

Pocahontas'body,lovelyasapoplar,sweetasaredhawinNovemberorapawpawinMay,didshewonder?doessheremember?...inthedust,inthecooltombs?

Takeanystreetfulofpeoplebuyingclothesandgroceries,cheeringaheroorthrowingconfettiandblowingtinhorns...tellmeiftheloversarelosers...tellmeifanygetmorethanthelovers...inthedust...inthecooltombs.

CarlSandburg


Crimson

CrimsonistheslowsmolderofthecigarendIhold,Grayistheashthatstiffensandcoversallsilentthefire.(AgreatmanIknowisdeadandwhileheliesinhiscoffinagoneflameIsithereincumberingshadowsandsmokeandwatchmythoughtscomeandgo.)

CarlSandburg


Cripple

OncewhenIsawacrippleGaspingslowlyhislastdayswiththewhiteplague,Lookingfromholloweyes,callingforair,DesperatelygesturingwithwastedhandsInthedarkanddustofahousedowninaslum,IsaidtomyselfIwouldratherhavebeenatallsunflowerLivinginacountrygardenLiftingagolden-brownfacetothesummer,Rain-washedanddew-misted,Mixedwiththepoppiesandrankinghollyhocks,AndwonderinglywatchingnightafternightTheclearsilentprocessionalsofstars.

CarlSandburg


Crucible

Hotgoldrunsawindingstreamontheinsideofagreenbowl.

Yellowtricklesinafanfigure,scattersalineofskirmishes,spreadsachorusofdancinggirls,performsblazingochreevolutions,gathersthewholeshowintoonestream,forgetsthepastandrollson.

Thesea-mistgreenofthebowl'sbottomisadarkthroatofskycrossedbyquarrelingforksofumberandochreandyellowchangingfaces.

CarlSandburg


Cumulatives

StormshavebeatenonthispointoflandAndshipsgonetowreckhereandthepassers-byrememberitwithtalkonthedeckatnightastheynearit.

Fistshavebeatenonthefaceofthisoldprize-fighterAndhisbattleshaveheldthesportingpagesandonthestreettheyindicatehimwiththeirrightfore-fingerasonewhoonceworeachampionshipbelt.

AhundredstorieshavebeenpublishedandathousandrumoredAboutwhythistalldarkmanhasdivorcedtwobeautifulyoungwomenAndmarriedathirdwhoresemblesthefirsttwoandtheyshaketheirheadsandsay,"Therehegoes,"whenhepassesbyinsunnyweatherorinrainalongthecitystreets.

CarlSandburg


Death Snips Proud Men

DEATHisstrongerthanallthegovernmentsbecausethegovernmentsaremenandmendieandthendeathlaughs:Nowyousee'em,nowyoudon't.Deathisstrongerthanallproudmenandsodeathsnipsproudmenonthenose,throwsapairofdiceandsays:Read'emandweep.Deathsendsaradiogrameveryday:WhenIwantyouI'lldropin--andthenonedayhecomeswithamaster-keyandletshimselfinandsays:We'llgonow.Deathisanursemotherwithbigarms:'Twon'thurtyouatall;it'syourtimenow;justneedalongsleep,child;whathaveyouhadanyhowbetterthansleep?

CarlSandburg


Docks

StrollingalongBytheteemingdocks,Iwatchtheshipsputout.BlackshipsthatheaveandlungeAndmovelikemastodonsArisingfromlethargicsleep.

ThefathomedharborCallsthemnotnordaresThemtoastrainofaction,Butoutward,onandoutward,Soundinglow-reverberatingcalls,Shaggyinthehalf-litdistance,Theypassthepointedheadland,Viewthewide,far-liftingwildernessAndleapwithcumulativespeedTotestthechallengeofthesea.

Plunging,Doggedlyonwardplunging,Intosaltandmistandfoamandsun.

CarlSandburg


Dream Girl

Youwillcomeonedayinawaveroflove,Tenderasdew,impetuousasrain,Thetanofthesunwillbeonyourskin,Thepurrofthebreezeinyourmurmuringspeech,Youwillposewithahill-flowergrace.

Youwillcome,withyourslim,expressivearms,ApoiseoftheheadnosculptorhascaughtAndnuancesspokenwithshoulderandneck,Yourfaceinapass-and-repassofmoodsAsmanyasskiesindelicatechangeOfcloudandblueandflimmeringsun.

Yet,Youmaynotcome,Ogirlofadream,WemaybutpassastheworldgoesbyAndtakefromalookofeyesintoeyes,Afilmofhopeandamemoriedday.

CarlSandburg


Dreams in the Dusk

Dreamsinthedusk,OnlydreamsclosingthedayAndwiththedaysclosegoingbackTothegraythings,thedarkthings,Thefar,deepthingsofdreamland.

Dreams,onlydreamsinthedusk,OnlytheoldrememberedpicturesOflostdayswhenthedayslossWroteintearstheheartsloss.

TearsandlossandbrokendreamsMayfindyourheartatdusk.

CarlSandburg


Dunes

Whatdoweseehereinthesanddunesofthewhitemoonalonewithourthoughts,Bill,Alonewithourdreams,Bill,softasthewomentyingscarvesaroundtheirheadsdancing,Alonewithapictureandapicturecomingoneaftertheotherofallthedead,Thedeadmorethanallthesegrainsofsandonebyonepiledhereinthemoon,Piledagainstthesky-linetakingshapeslikethehandofthewindwanted,Whatdoweseehere,Bill,outsideofwhatthewisemenbeattheirheadson,Outsideofwhatthepoetscryforandthesoldiersdriveonheadlongandleavetheirskullsinthesunforwhat,Bill?

CarlSandburg


Dust

Hereisdustremembersitwasaroseonetimeandlayinawoman'shair.Hereisdustremembersitwasawomanonetimeandinherhairlayarose.Ohthingsonetimedust,whatelsenowisityoudreamandrememberofolddays?

CarlSandburg


Dusty Doors

ChildoftheAztecgods,howlongmustwelistenhere,howlongbeforewego?

Thedustisdeeponthelintels.Thedustisdarkonthedoors.Ifthedreamsshakeourbones,whatcanwesayordo?

Sinceearlymorningwewaited.Sinceearly,earlymorning,child.Theremustbedreamsonthewaynow.Theremustbeasongforourbones.

Thedustgetsdeeperanddarker.Dothedoorsandlintelsshudder?Howlongmustwelistenhere?Howlongbeforewego?

CarlSandburg


Dynamiter

IsatwithadynamiteratsupperinaGermansalooneatingsteakandonions.Andhelaughedandtoldstoriesofhiswifeandchildrenandthecauseoflaborandtheworkingclass.Itwaslaughterofanunshakablemanknowinglifetobearichandred-bloodedthing.Yes,hislaughranglikethecallofgraybirdsfilledwithagloryofjoyrammingtheirwingedflightthrougharainstorm.Hisnamewasinmanynewspapersasanenemyofthenationandfewkeepersofchurchesorschoolswouldopentheirdoorstohim.Overthesteakandonionsnotawordwassaidofhisdeepdaysandnightsasadynamiter.OnlyIalwaysrememberhimasaloveroflife,aloverofchildren,aloverofallfree,recklesslaughtereverywhereloverofredheartsandredbloodtheworldover.

CarlSandburg


Eleventh Avenue Racket

Thereissomethingterribleaboutahurdy-gurdy,agipsymanandwoman,andamonkeyinredflannelallstoppinginfrontofabighousewithasignForRentonthedoorandtheblindshanginglooseandnobodyhome.Ineversawthis.IhopetoGodIneverwill.

Whoop-de-doodle-de-doo.Hoodle-de-harr-de-hum.Nobodyhome?Everybodyhome.Whoop-de-doodle-de-doo.

MamieRileymarriedJimmyHigginslastnight:EddieJonesdiedofwhoopingcough:GeorgeHacksgotajobonthepoliceforce:theRosenheimsboughtabrassbed:LenaHartgiggledatajackie:apushcartmancalledtomaytoes,tomaytoes.Whoop-de-doodle-de-doo.Hoodle-de-harr-de-hum.Nobodyhome?Everybodyhome.

CarlSandburg


Evening Waterfall

Whatisthenameyoucalledme?--Andwhydidyougososoon?

Thecrowslifttheircawsonthewind,Andthewindchangedandwaslonely.

Thewarblerscrythiersleepy-songsAcrossthevalleygloaming,Acrossthecattle-hornsofearlystars.

FeathersandpeopleinthecrotchofatreetopThrowaneveningwaterfallofsleepy-songs.

Whatisthenameyoucalledme?--Andwhydidyougososoon?

CarlSandburg


Fellow Citizens

IdrankmustyaleattheIllinoisAthleticClubwiththemillionairemanufacturerofGreenRiverbutteronenightAndhisfacehadtheshininglightofanold-timeQuaker,hespokeofabeautifuldaughter,andIknewhehadapeaceandahappinessuphissleevesomewhere.ThenIheardJimKirchmakeaspeechtotheAdvertisingAssociationonthetraderesourcesofSouthAmerica.Andthewayhelightedathree-for-a-nickelstogieandcockeditatanangleregardlessofthemannersofourbestpeople,IknewhehadaclutchonarealhappinesseventhoughsomeofthereportersonhisnewspapersayheisthelivingdoubleofJackLondon'sSeaWolf.Inthemayor'sofficethemayorhimselftoldmehewashappythoughitisahardjobtosatisfyalltheoffice-seekersandeatallthedinnersheisaskedtoeat.DowninGilpinPlace,nearHullHouse,wasamanwithhisjawwrappedforabadtoothache,Andhehaditalloverthebuttermillionaire,JimKirchandthemayorwhenitcametohappiness.Heisamakerofaccordionsandguitarsandnotonlymakesthemfromstarttofinish,butplaysthemafterhemakesthem.AndhehadaguitarofmahoganywithawalnutbottomheofferedforsevendollarsandahalfifIwantedit,Andanotherjustlikeit,onlysmaller,forsixdollars,thoughhenevermentionedthepricetillIaskedhim,Andhestatedthepriceinasorryway,asthoughthemusicandthemakeofaninstrumentcountforamilliontimesmorethanthepriceinmoney.IthoughthehadarealsoulandknewalotaboutGod.Therewaslightinhiseyesofonewhohasconqueredsorrowinsofarassorrowisconquerableorworthconquering.AnywayheistheonlyChicagocitizenIwasjealousofthatday.HeplayedadancetheyplayinsomepartsofItalywhentheharvestofgrapesisoverandthewinepressesarereadyforwork.

CarlSandburg


Fight

ReddripsfrommychinwhereIhavebeeneating.Notalltheblood,nowherenearall,iswipedoffmymouth.ClotsofredmessmyhairAndthetiger,thebuffalo,knowhow.Iwasakiller.

Yes,Iamakiller.Icomefromkilling.Igotomore.

Idriveredjoyaheadofmefromkilling.Redglutsandredhungersruninthesmearsandjuicesofmyinsidebones:

ThechildcriesforasuckmotherandIcryforwar.

CarlSandburg


Fire Pages

Iwillreadashesforyou,ifyouaskme.IwilllookonthefireandtellyoufromthegraylashesAndoutoftheredandblacktonguesandstripes,IwilltellhowfirecomesAndhowfirerunsfarasthesea.

CarlSandburg


Fish Crier

IknowaJewfishcrierdownonMaxwellStreetwithavoicelikeanorthwindblowingovercornstubbleinJanuary.HedanglesherringbeforeprospectivecustomersevincingajoyidenticalwiththatofPavlowadancing.Hisfaceisthatofamanterriblygladtobesellingfish,terriblygladthatGodmadefish,andcustomerstowhomhemaycallhiswares,fromapushcart.

CarlSandburg


Flanders

Flanders,thenameofaplace,acountryofpeople,Spellsitselfwithletters,iswritteninbooks.

"WhereisFlanders?"wasaskedonetime,FlandersknownonlytothosewholivedthereAndmilkedcowsandmadecheeseandspokethehomelanguage.

"WhereisFlanders?"wasasked.Andtheslangadeptsshotthereply:Searchme.

Afewthousandpeoplemilkingcows,raisingradishes,Onalandofsaltgrassanddunes,sand-sweptwithasea-breathonit:ThiswasFlanders,theunknown,thequiet,Theplacewherecowshuntedlushcudsofgreenonlowlands,Andtheraw-bonedplowmentookhorseswithlongshanksOutinthedawntothesea-breath.

Flanderssatslow-spokenamidslow-swungwindmills,Slow-circlingwindmillarmsturningnorthorwest,Turningtotalktotheswaggeringwinds,thechildishwinds,SoFlanderssatwiththeheartofakitchengirlWashingwoodenbowlsinthewintersunbyawindow.

CarlSandburg


Flux

SandofthesearunsredWherethesunsetreachesandquivers.SandofthesearunsyellowWherethemoonslantsandwavers.

CarlSandburg


Fog

Thefogcomesonlittlecatfeet.

Itsitslookingoverharborandcityonsilenthaunchesandthenmoveson.

CarlSandburg


Fog Portrait

RINGSofirongraysmoke;awomanssteelfacelookinglooking.Funnelsofanoceanlinernegotiatingafognight;pouringataffymassdownthewind;layersofsootonthetopdeck;ataffrailandawomanssteelfacelookinglooking.Cliffschallengehumped;suddenarcsformonagullswinginthestormsvortex;milesofwhitehorsesplowthroughastonybeach;stars,clearsky,andeverywherefreeclimberscalling;andawomanssteelfacelookinglooking

CarlSandburg


Follies

Shaken,Theblossomsoflilac,Andshattered,Theatomsofpurple.Greendiptheleaves,Darkerthebark,Longertheshadows.

SheerlinesofpoplarShimmerwithmassesofsilverAnddowninagardenoldwithyearsAndbrokenwallsofruinandstory,Rosesrisewithredrain-memories.May!IntheopenworldThesuncomesandfindsyourface,Rememberingall.

CarlSandburg


From The Shore

Alonegraybird,Dim-dipping,far-flying,AloneintheshadowsandgrandeursandtumultsOfnightandtheseaAndthestarsandstorms.

Outoverthedarknessitwaversandhovers,Outintothegloomitswingsandbatters,Outintothewindandtherainandthevast,Outintothepitofagreatblackworld,Wherefogsareatbattle,sky-driven,sea-blown,Loveofmistandraptureofflight,GloriesofchanceandhazardsofdeathOnitseagerandpalpitantwings.

Outintothedeepofthegreatdarkworld,BeyondthelongborderswherefoamanddriftOfthesunderingwavesarelostandgoneOnthetidesthatplungeandrearandcrumble.

CarlSandburg


Gone

EverybodylovedChickLorimerinourtown.FaroffEverybodylovedher.SoweallloveawildgirlkeepingaholdOnadreamshewants.NobodyknowsnowwhereChickLorimerwent.Nobodyknowswhyshepackedhertrunk..afewoldthingsAndisgone,GonewithherlittlechinThrustaheadofherAndhersofthairblowingcarelessFromunderawidehat,Dancer,singer,alaughingpassionatelover.

WeretheretenmenorahundredhuntingChick?Weretherefivemenorfiftywithachinghearts?EverybodylovedChickLorimer.Nobodyknowswhereshesgone.

CarlSandburg


Good Night

Manywaystosaygoodnight.

FireworksatapierontheFourthofJulyspellitwithredwheelsandyellowspokes.Theyfizzintheair,touchthewaterandquit.Rocketsmakeatrajectoryofgold-and-blueandthengoout.

Railroadtrainsatnightspellwithasmokestackmushroomingawhitepillar.

SteamboatsturnacurveintheMississippicryingabaritonethatcrosseslowlandcottonfieldstorazorbackhill.

Itiseasytospellgoodnight.Manywaystospellgoodnight.

CarlSandburg


Government

TheGovernment--IheardabouttheGovernmentandIwentouttofindit.IsaidIwouldlookcloselyatitwhenIsawit.ThenIsawapolicemandraggingadrunkenmantothecallaboose.ItwastheGovernmentinaction.Isawawardaldermanslipintoanofficeonemorningandtalkwithajudge.Laterinthedaythejudgedismissedacaseagainstapickpocketwhowasalivewardworkerforthealderman.AgainIsawthiswastheGovernment,doingthings.Isawmilitiamenleveltheirriflesatacrowdofworkingmenwhoweretryingtogetotherworkingmentostayawayfromashopwheretherewasastrikeon.Governmentinaction.EverywhereIsawthatGovernmentisathingmadeofmen,thatGovernmenthasbloodandbones,itismanymouthswhisperingintomanyears,sendingtelegrams,aimingrifles,writingorders,saying"yes"and"no."GovernmentdiesasthemenwhoformitdieandarelaidawayintheirgravesandthenewGovernmentthatcomesafterishuman,madeofheartbeatsofblood,ambitions,lusts,andmoneyrunningthroughitall,moneypaidandmoneytaken,andmoneycoveredupandspokenofwithhushedvoices.AGovernmentisjustassecretandmysteriousandsensitiveasanyhumansinnercarryingaloadofgerms,traditionsandcorpuscleshandeddownfromfathersandmothersawayback.

CarlSandburg


Graceland

Tombofamillionaire,Amulti-millionaire,ladiesandgentlemen,PlaceofthedeadwheretheyspendeveryyearTheusuryoftwenty-fivethousanddollarsForupkeepandflowersTokeepfreshthememoryofthedead.ThemerchantprincegonetodustCommandedinhiswrittenwillOverthesignednameofhislasttestamentTwenty-fivethousanddollarsbesetasideForroses,lilacs,hydrangeas,tulips,Forperfumeandcolor,sweetnessofremembranceAroundhislastlonghome.

(Ahundredcashgirlswantnickelstogotothemoviesto-night.Inthebackstallsofahundredsaloons,womenareattablesDrinkingwithmenorwaitingformenjinglingloosesilverdollarsintheirpockets.InahundredfurnishedroomsisagirlwhosellssilkordressgoodsorleatherstuffforsixdollarsaweekwagesAndwhenshepullsonherstockingsinthemorningsheisrecklessaboutGodandthenewspapersandthepolice,thetalkofherhometownorthenamepeoplecallher.)

CarlSandburg


Grass

PilethebodieshighatAusterlitzandWaterloo.Shovelthemunderandletmework--Iamthegrass;Icoverall.

AndpilethemhighatGettysburgAndpilethemhighatYpresandVerdun.Shovelthemunderandletmework.Twoyears,tenyears,andthepassengersasktheconductor:Whatplaceisthis?Wherearewenow?

Iamthegrass.Letmework.

CarlSandburg


Graves

Idreamedonemanstoodagainstathousand,Onemandamnedasawrongheadedfool.Oneyearandanotherhewalkedthestreets,AndathousandshrugsandhootsMethimintheshouldersandmouthshepassed.

Hediedalone.Andonlytheundertakercametohisfuneral.

Flowersgrowoverhisgraveanodinthewind,Andoverthegravesofthethousand,too,Theflowersgrowanodinthewind.

Flowersandthewind,Flowersanodoverthegravesofthedead,Petalsofred,leavesofyellow,streaksofwhite,MassesofpurplesaggingIloveyouandyourgreatwayofforgetting.

CarlSandburg


Gypsy

IaskedagypsypalToimitateanoldimageAndspeakoldwisdom.Shedrewinherchin,MadeherneckandheadThetoppieceofaNileobeliskandsaid:Snatchoffthegagfromthymouth,child,Andbefreetokeepsilence.Tellnomananythingfornomanlistens,Yetholdthylipsreadytospeak.

CarlSandburg


Halsted Street Car

Comeyou,cartoonists,HangonastrapwithmehereAtsevenoclockinthemorningOnaHalstedstreetcar.

TakeyourpencilsAnddrawthesefaces.

Trywithyourpencilsforthesecrookedfaces,Thatpig-stickerinonecornerhismouthThatoverallfactorygirlherloosecheeks.

FindforyourpencilsAwaytomarkyourmemoryOftiredemptyfaces.

Aftertheirnightssleep,InthemoistdawnAndcooldaybreak,FacesTiredofwishes,Emptyofdreams.

CarlSandburg


Happiness

Iaskedtheprofessorswhoteachthemeaningoflifetotellmewhatishappiness.AndIwenttofamousexecutiveswhobosstheworkofthousandsofmen.TheyallshooktheirheadsandgavemeasmileasthoughIwastryingtofoolwiththemAndthenoneSundayafternoonIwanderedoutalongtheDesplainesriverAndIsawacrowdofHungariansunderthetreeswiththeirwomenandchildrenandakegofbeerandanaccordion.

CarlSandburg


Harrison Street Court

Iheardawoman'slipsSpeakingtoacompanionSaythesewords:

"AwomanwhathustlesNeverkeepsnothin'Forallherhustlin'.SomebodyalwaysgetsWhatshegoesonthestreetfor.Ifitain'tapimpIt'sabullwhatgetsit.Ibeenhustlin'nowTillIain'tmuchgoodanymore.Igotnothin'toshowforit.Somemangotitall,Everynight'shustlin'Ieverdid."

CarlSandburg


Haunts

ThereareplacesIgowhenIamstrong.OneisamarshpoolwhereIusedtogowithalong-earhound-dog.Oneisawildcrabappletree;Iwasthereamoonlightnightwithagirl.Thedogisgone;thegirlisgone;Igototheseplaceswhenthereisnootherplacetogo.

CarlSandburg


Hell on the Wabash

WhencountryfiddlersheldaconventioninDanville,thebigmoneywenttoabarndanceartistwhoplayedTurkeyintheStraw,withvariations.Theyaskedhimthenameofthepiececallingitahumdingerandheanswered,"Icallit'HellontheWabash.'"ThetwonextbestwereTheSpeckledHen,andSweetPotatoesGrowinSandyLand,withvariations.

CarlSandburg


Honky Tonk in Cleveland, Ohio

It'sajazzaffair,drumcrashesandcoronetrazzes.Thetromboneponyneighsandthetubajackasssnorts.Thebanjoticklesandtitterstooawful.Thechippiestalkaboutthefunniesinthepapers.Thecartoonistsweepintheirbeer.ShopriveterstalkwiththeirfeetTothefeetofflooziesunderthetables.Aquartetofwhitehopesmournwithinterspersedsnickers:"Igottheblues.Igottheblues.Igottheblues."And...aswesaidearlier:Thecartoonistsweepintheirbeer.

CarlSandburg


Hope Is a Tattered Flag

Hopeisatatteredflagandadreamoftime.Hopeisaheartspunword,therainbow,theshadblowinwhiteTheeveningstarinviolableoverthecoalmines,Theshimmerofnorthernlightsacrossabitterwinternight,Thebluehillsbeyondthesmokeofthesteelworks,Thebirdswhogoonsingingtotheirmatesinpeace,war,peace,Theten-centcrocusbulbbloominginaused-carsalesroom,Thehorseshoeoverthedoor,theluckpieceinthepocket,ThekissandthecomfortinglaughandresolveHopeisanecho,hopetiesitselfyonder,yonder.Thespringgrassshowingitselfwhereleastexpected,Therollingfluffofwhitecloudsonachangeablesky,ThebroadcastofstringsfromJapan,bellsfromMoscow,OfthevoiceoftheprimeministerofSwedencarriedAcrosstheseainbehalfofaworldfamilyofnationsAndchildrensingingchoralsoftheChristchildAndBachbeingbroadcastfromBethlehem,PennsylvaniaAndtallskyscraperspracticallyemptyoftenantsAndthehandsofstrongmengropingforhandholdsAndtheSalvationArmysingingGodlovesus.

CarlSandburg


Horses and Men in Rain

Letussitbyahissingsteamradiatorawinter'sday,graywindpatteringfrozenraindropsonthewindow,Andletustalkaboutmilkwagondriversandgrocerydeliveryboys.

Letuskeepourfeetinwoolslippersandmixhotpunches--andtalkaboutmailcarriersandmessengerboysslippingalongtheicysidewalks.Letuswriteofolden,goldendaysandhuntersoftheHolyGrailandmencalled"knights"ridinghorsesintherain,inthecoldfrozenrainforladiestheyloved.

Aroustabouthunchedonacoalwagongoesby,iciclesdriponhishatrim,sheetsoficewrappingthehunksofcoal,thecaravanseraiagrayblurinslantofrain.LetusnudgethesteamradiatorwithourwoolslippersandwritepoemsofLauncelot,thehero,andRoland,thehero,andalltheoldengoldenmenwhorodehorsesintherain.

CarlSandburg


Hydrangeas

Dragoons,Itellyouthewhitehydrangeasturnrustandgosoon.AlreadymidSeptemberalineofbrownrunsoverthem.Onesunsetafteranothertracksthefaces,thepetals.Waiting,theylookoverthefenceforwhatwaytheygo.

CarlSandburg


I Am The People, The Mob

IAmthepeople--themob--thecrowd--themass.Doyouknowthatallthegreatworkoftheworldisdonethroughme?Iamtheworkingman,theinventor,themakeroftheworld'sfoodandclothes.Iamtheaudiencethatwitnesseshistory.TheNapoleonscomefrommeandtheLincolns.Theydie.AndthenIsendforthmoreNapoleonsandLincolns.Iamtheseedground.Iamaprairiethatwillstandformuchplowing.Terriblestormspassoverme.Iforget.Thebestofmeissuckedoutandwasted.Iforget.EverythingbutDeathcomestomeandmakesmeworkandgiveupwhatIhave.AndIforget.SometimesIgrowl,shakemyselfandspatterafewreddropsforhistorytoremember.Then--Iforget.WhenI,thePeople,learntoremember,whenI,thePeople,usethelessonsofyesterdayandnolongerforgetwhorobbedmelastyear,whoplayedmeforafool--thentherewillbenospeakerinalltheworldsaythename:'ThePeople,'withanyfleckofasneerinhisvoiceoranyfar-offsmileofderision.Themob--thecrowd--themass--willarrivethen.

CarlSandburg


I Sang

IsangtoyouandthemoonButonlythemoonremembers.IsangOrecklessfree-heartedfree-throatedrythms,EventhemoonremembersthemAndiskindtome.

CarlSandburg


Ice Handler

Iknowanicehandlerwhowearsaflannelshirtwithpearlbuttonsthesizeofadollar,Andhelugsahundred-poundhunkintoasaloonice-box,helpshimselftocoldhamandryebread,Tellsthebartenderitshotterthanyesterdayandwillbehotteryetto-morrow,byJesus,Andisonhiswaywithhisheadintheairandahardpairoffists.HespendsadollarorsoeverySaturdaynightonatwohundredpoundwomanwhowashesdishesintheHotelMorrison.Herememberswhentheunionwasorganizedhebrokethenosesoftwoscabsandloosenedthenutssothewheelscameoffsixdifferentwagonsonemorning,andhecamearoundandwatchedtheicemeltinthestreet.Allhewassorryforwasoneofthescabsbithimontheknucklesoftherighthandsotheybledwhenhecamearoundtothesaloontotelltheboysaboutit.

CarlSandburg


Improved Farm Land

Talltimberstoodhereonce,heeonacornbeltfarmalongtheMonon.Heretherootsofahalf-mileoftreesdugtheirrunnersdeepintheloamforagripandaholdagainstwindstorms.Thentheaxemencameandthechipsflewtothezingofsteelandhandle--thelankrailsplitterscutthebigonesfirst,thebeechesandtheoaks,thenthebrush.Dynamite,wagons,andhorsestookthestumps--theplowssunktheirteethin--nowitisfirstclasscornland--omprovedproperty--andthehogsgruntoverthefoddercrops.ItwouldcomehardnowforthishalfmileofimprovedfarmlandalongtheMononcornbelt,onapieceofGrandPrarie,torememberonceithadagreatsingingfamilyoftrees.

CarlSandburg


In a Back Alley

Remembranceforagreatmanisthis.Thenewsiesarepitchingpennies.Andonthecopperdiskisthemansface.Deadloverofboys,whatdoyouaskfornow?

CarlSandburg


In a Breath

TotheWilliamsonBrothers

Highnoon.WhitesunflashesontheMichiganAvenueasphalt.Drumofhoofsandwhirrofmotors.Womentrapsingalonginflimsyclothescatchingplayofsun-firetotheirskinandeyes.

Insidetheplayhousearemoviesfromunderthesea.Fromtheheatofpavementsandthedustofsidewalks,passers-bygoinabreathtobewitnessesoflargecoolsponges,largecoolfishes,largecoolvalleysandridgesofcoralspreadsilentinthesoakoftheoceanfloorthousandsofyears.

Anakedswimmerdives.Aknifeinhisrighthandshootsastreakatthethroatofashark.Thetailofthesharklashes.Oneswingwouldkilltheswimmer...Soontheknifegoesintothesoftunder-neckoftheveeringfish...Itsmouthfulofteeth,eachtoothadaggeritself,setrowonrow,glistenswhentheshuddering,yawningcadaverishauledupbythebrothersoftheswimmer.

Outsideinthestreetisthemurmurandsingingoflifeinthesun--horses,motors,womentrapsingalonginflimsyclothes,playofsun-fireintheirblood.

CarlSandburg


Interior

InthecoolofthenighttimeTheclockspickoffthepointsAndthemainspringsloosen.Theywillneedwinding.Oneofthesedaystheywillneedwinding.

Rabelaisinredboards,WaltWhitmaningreen,Hugointen-centpapercovers,HeretheystandonshelvesInthecoolofthenighttimeAndthereisnothing....Tobesaidagainstthem....Orforthem....InthecoolofthenighttimeAndthedocks.

Amaninpigeon-graypyjamas.TheopenwindowbeginsathisfeetAndgoestallerthanhishead.Eightfeethighisthepattern.

Moonandmistmakeanoblonglayout.Silverattheman'sbarefeet.Heswingsonefootinamoonsilver.Anditcostsnothing.

(Onemoredayofbreadandwork.Onemoreday....somuchrags.

ThemanbarefootinmoonsilverMutters"You"and"You"TothingshiddenInthecoolofthenighttime,InRabelais,Whitman,Hugo,Inanoblongofmoonmist.

Outfromthewindow....prairielands.Moonmistwhitensagolfground.Whiteryetisalimestonequarry.Thecricketskeeponchirring.

SwitchenginesoftheGreatWesternSidetrackboxcars,makeuptrainsForWeehawken,Oskaloosa,Saskatchewan;Thecattle,thecoal,thecorn,mustgoInthenight....ontheprairielands.

Chuff-chuffgothepulses.Theybeatinthecoolofthenighttime.Chuff-chuffandchuff-chuff....


TheseheartbeatstravelthenightamileAndtouchthemoonsilveratthewindowAndthehonesoftheman.Itcostsnothing.

Rabelaisinredboards,Whitmaningreen,Hugointen-centpapercovers,HeretheystandonshelvesInthecoolofthenighttimeAndtheclocks.

CarlSandburg


Iron

Guns,Long,steelguns,PointedfromthewarshipsInthenameofthewargod.Straight,shining,polishedguns,Clamberedoverwithjackiesinwhiteblouses,Gloryoftanfaces,tousledhair,whiteteeth,Laughinglithejackiesinwhiteblouses,Sittingonthegunssingingwarsongs,warchanties.

Shovels,Broad,ironshovels,Scoopingoutoblongvaults,Looseningturfandlevelingsod.

IaskyouTowitness--Theshovelisbrothertothegun.

CarlSandburg


It Is Much

WomenofnightlifeamidthelightsWherethelineofyourfull,roundthroatsMatchesingleamtheglintofyoureyesAndtheringofyourheart-deeplaughter:Itismuchtobewarmandsureofto-morrow.

Womenofnightlifealongtheshadows,Leanatyourthroatsandskulkingthewalls,Gauntasabitchworntothebone,Underthepaintofyoursmilingfaces:Itismuchtobewarmandsureofto-morrow.

CarlSandburg


Jack

Jackwasaswarthy,swaggeringson-of-a-gun.Heworkedthirtyyearsontherailroad,tenhoursaday,andhishandsweretougherthansoleleather.Hemarriedatoughwomanandtheyhadeightchildrenandthewomandiedandthechildrengrewupandwentawayandwrotetheoldmaneverytwoyears.Hediedinthepoorhousesittingonabenchinthesuntellingreminiscencestootheroldmenwhosewomenweredeadandchildrenscattered.Therewasjoyonhisfacewhenhediedastherewasjoyonhisfacewhenhelivedhewasaswarthy,swaggeringson-of-a-gun.

CarlSandburg


Jan Kubelik

Yourbowsweptoverastring,andalonglownotequiveredtotheair.(AmotherofBohemiasobsoveranewchildperfectlearningtosuckmilk.)

Yourbowranfastoverallthehighstringsflutteringandwild.(AllthegirlsinBohemiaarelaughingonaSundayafternooninthehillswiththeirlovers.)

CarlSandburg


Jaws

Sevennationsstoodwiththeirhandsonthejawsofdeath.ItwasthefirstweekinAugust,NineteenHundredFourteen.Iwaslistening,youwerelistening,thewholeworldwaslistening,AndallofusheardaVoicemurmuring:Iamthewayandthelight,HethatbelievethonmeShallnotperishButshallhaveeverlastinglife.SevennationslisteningheardtheVoiceandanswered:OHell!Thejawsofdeathbeganclickingandtheygoonclicking.OHell!

CarlSandburg


Joy

Letajoykeepyou.ReachoutyourhandsAndtakeitwhenitrunsby,AstheApachedancerClutcheshiswoman.IhaveseenthemLivelongandlaughloud,Sentonsinging,singing,SmashedtotheheartUndertheribsWithaterriblelove.Joyalways,Joyeverywhere--Letjoykillyou!Keepawayfromthelittledeaths.

CarlSandburg


June

Paulaisdiggingandshapingtheloamofasalvia,ScarletChinesetalkerofsummer.TwopetalsofcrabappleblossomblowfalleninPaula'shair,Andfluffofwhitefromacottonwood.

CarlSandburg


Jungheimer's

Inwesternfieldsofcornandnortherntimberlands,Theytalkaboutme,asaloonwithasoul,Thesoftredlights,thelongcurvingbar,Theleatherseatsanddimcorners,Tallbrassspittoons,aniggercuttingham,Andthepaintingofawomanhalf-dressedthrownrecklessacrossabedafteranightofboozeandriots.

CarlSandburg


Killers

IamsingingtoyouSoftasamanwithadeadchildspeaks;Hardasamaninhandcuffs,Heldwherehecannotmove:

UnderthesunAresixteenmillionmen,Chosenforshiningteeth,Sharpeyes,hardlegs,Andarunningofyoungwarmbloodintheirwrists.

Andaredjuicerunsonthegreengrass;Andaredjuicesoaksthedarksoil.Andthesixteenmillionarekilling...andkillingandkilling.

Ineverforgetthemdayornight:Theybeatonmyheadformemoryofthem;TheypoundonmyheartandIcrybacktothem,Totheirhomesandwomen,dreamsandgames.

Iwakeinthenightandsmellthetrenches,Andhearthelowstirofsleepersinlines--Sixteenmillionsleepersandpicketsinthedark:Someofthemlongsleepersforalways,Someofthemtumblingtosleepto-morrowforalways,Fixedinthedragoftheworld'sheartbreak,Eatinganddrinking,toiling...onalongjobofkilling.Sixteenmillionmen.

CarlSandburg


Kin

Brother,IamfireSurgingundertheoceanfloor.Ishallnevermeetyou,brotherNotforyears,anyhow;Maybethousandsofyears,brother.ThenIwillwarmyou,Holdyouclose,wrapyouincircles,UseyouandchangeyouMaybethousandsofyears,brother.

CarlSandburg


Languages

TherearenohandlesuponalanguageWherebymentakeholdofitAndmarkitwithsignsforitsremembrance.Itisariver,thislanguage,OnceinathousandyearsBreakinganewcourseChangingitswaytotheocean.ItismountaineffluviaMovingtovalleysAndfromnationtonationCrossingbordersandmixing.Languagesdielikerivers.WordswrappedroundyourtonguetodayAndbrokentoshapeofthoughtBetweenyourteethandlipsspeakingNowandtodayShallbefadedhieroglyphicsTenthousandyearsfromnow.Sing--andsinging--rememberYoursongdiesandchangesAndisnothereto-morrowAnymorethanthewindBlowingtenthousandyearsago.

CarlSandburg


Last Answers

IwroteapoemonthemistAndawomanaskedmewhatImeantbyit.Ihadthoughttillthenonlyofthebeautyofthemist,howpearlandgrayofitmixandreel,Andchangethedrabshantieswithlightedlampsateveningintopointsofmysteryquiveringwithcolor.

Ianswered:Thewholeworldwasmistoncelongagoandsomedayitwillallgobacktomist,OurskullsandlungsaremorewaterthanboneandtissueAndallpoetslovedustandmistbecauseallthelastanswersGorunningbacktodustandmist.

CarlSandburg


Laughing Corn

TherewasahighmajesticfoolingDaybeforeyesterdayintheyellowcorn.

Anddayafterto-morrowintheyellowcornTherewillbehighmajesticfooling.

TheearsripeninlatesummerAndcomeonwithaconqueringlaughter,Comeonwithahighandconqueringlaughter.

Thelong-tailedblackbirdsarehoarse.OneofthesmallerblackbirdschittersonastalkAndaspotofredisonitsshoulderAndIneverhearditsnameinmylife.

Someoftheearsarebursting.Awhitejuiceworksinside.Cornsilkcreepsintheendanddanglesinthewind.Always--Ineverknewitanyotherway--Thewindandthecorntalkthingsovertogether.AndtherainandthecornandthesunandthecornTalkthingsovertogether.

Overtheroadisthefarmhouse.Thesidingiswhiteandagreenblindisslungloose.Itwillnotbefixedtillthecornishusked.Thefarmerandhiswifetalkthingsovertogether.

CarlSandburg


Lawyer

Whenthejuryfilesintodeliveraverdictafterweeksofdirectandcrossexaminations,hotclashesoflawyersandcooldecisionsofthejudge,Therearepointsofhighsilence--twiddlingofthumbsisatanend--bailiffsnearcuspidorstakefreshchewsoftobaccoandwait--andtheclockhasachanceforitstickingtobeheard.Alawyerforthedefenseclearshisthroatandholdshimselfreadyifthewordis"Guilty"toentermotionforanewtrial,speakinginasoftvoice,speakinginavoiceslightlycoloredwithbitterwrongsmingledwithmonumentalpatience,speakingwithmythicAtlasshouldersofmanypreposterous,unjustcircumstances.

CarlSandburg


Letters to Dead Imagists

EMILYDICKINSON:

Yougaveusthebumblebeewhohasasoul,Theeverlastingtraveleramongthehollyhocks,AndhowGodplaysaroundabackyardgarden.

STEVIECRANE:

Wariskindandweneverknewthekindnessofwartillyoucame;Northeblackridersandclashesofspearandshieldoutofthesea,Northemumblingsandshotsthatrisefromdreamsoncall.

CarlSandburg


Limited

Iamridingonalimitedexpress,oneofthecracktrainsofthenation.Hurtlingacrosstheprairieintobluehazeanddarkairgofifteenall-steelcoachesholdingathousandpeople.(Allthecoachesshallbescrapandrustandallthemenandwomenlaughinginthedinersandsleepersshallpasstoashes.)Iaskamaninthesmokerwhereheisgoingandheanswers:"Omaha."

CarlSandburg


Loam

Intheloamwesleep,Inthecoolmoistloam,TothelullofyearsthatpassAndthebreakofstars,

Fromtheloam,then,Thesoftwarmloam,Werise:Toshapeofroseleaf,Offaceandshoulder.

Westand,then,Toawhiffoflife,LiftedtothesilverofthesunOverandoutoftheloamAday.

CarlSandburg


Localities

WagonwheelgapisaplaceIneversawAndRedHorseGulchandthechutesofCrippleCreek.

Red-shirtedminerspickinginthesluices,Gamblerswithrednecktiesinthenightstreets,Thefly-by-nighttownsofBullFrogandSkiddoo,Thenight-coollimestonewhiteofDeathValley,ThestraightdropofeighthundredfeetFromashelfroadintheHasiampaValley:MenandplacestheyareIneversaw.

IhaveseenthreeWhiteHorsetaverns,OneinIllinois,oneinPennsylvania,Oneinatimber-hidroadofWisconsin.

IboughtcheeseandcrackersBetweensunshowersinaplacecalledWhitePigeonNestlingwithablacksmithshop,apost-office,Andaberry-cratefactory,wherefourroadscross.

OnthePecatonicaRivernearFreeportIhaveseenboysrunbarefootintheleavesThrowingclubsatthewalnuttreesIntheyellow-and-goldofautumn,Andtherewasabrownmashdryontheinsideoftheirhands.OntheCedarForkCreekofKnoxCountyIknowhowthefingersoflateOctoberLoosenthehazelnuts.Iknowthebrowneyesofhalf-openhulls.IknowboysnamedLindquist,Swanson,Hildebrand.Iremembertheircrieswhenthenutswereripe.Andsomeareinmachineshops;someareinthenavy;Andsomearenotonpayrollsanywhere.Theirmothersarethroughwaitingforthemtocomehome.

CarlSandburg


Losses

IhaveloveAndachild,AbanjoAndshadows.(LossesofGod,AllwillgoAndonedayWewillholdOnlytheshadows.)

CarlSandburg


Lost

DesolateandloneAllnightlongonthelakeWherefogtrailsandmistcreeps,ThewhistleofaboatCallsandcriesunendingly,LikesomelostchildIntearsandtroubleHuntingtheharbor'sbreastAndtheharbor'seyes.

CarlSandburg


Mag

IwishtoGodIneversawyou,Mag.Iwishyouneverquityourjobandcamealongwithme.IwishweneverboughtalicenseandawhitedressForyoutogetmarriedinthedayweranofftoaministerAndtoldhimwewouldloveeachotherandtakecareofeachotherAlwaysandalwayslongasthesunandtherainlastsanywhere.Yes,ImwishingnowyoulivedsomewhereawayfromhereAndIwasabumonthebumpersathousandmilesawaydeadbroke.IwishthekidshadnevercomeAndrentandcoalandclothestopayforAndagrocerymancallingforcash,Everydaycashforbeansandprunes.IwishtoGodIneversawyou,Mag.IwishtoGodthekidshadnevercome.

CarlSandburg


Mamie

MamiebeatherheadagainstthebarsofalittleIndianatownanddreamedofromanceandbigthingsoffsomewherethewaytherailroadtrainsallran.ShecouldseethesmokeoftheenginesgetlostdownwherethestreaksofsteelflashedinthesunandwhenthenewspaperscameinonthemorningmailsheknewtherewasabigChicagofaroff,whereallthetrainsran.ShegottiredofthebarbershopboysandthepostofficechatterandthechurchgossipandtheoldpiecesthebandplayedontheFourthofJulyandDecorationDayAndsobbedatherfateandbeatherheadagainstthebarsandwasgoingtokillherselfWhenthethoughtcametoherthatifshewasgoingtodieshemightaswelldiestrugglingforaclutchofromanceamongthestreetsofChicago.ShehasajobnowatsixdollarsaweekinthebasementoftheBostonStoreAndevennowshebeatsherheadagainstthebarsinthesameoldwayandwondersifthereisabiggerplacetherailroadsruntofromChicagowheremaybethereisromanceandbigthingsandrealdreamsthatnevergosmash.

CarlSandburg


Manitoba Childe Roland

LASTnightaJanuarywindwasrippingattheshinglesoverourhouseandwhistlingawolfsongundertheeaves.Isatinaleatherrockerandreadtoasix-year-oldgirltheBrowningpoem,ChildeRolandtotheDarkTowerCame.Andhereyeshadthehazeofautumnhillsanditwasbeautifultoherandshecouldnotunderstand.Amaniscrossingabigprairie,saysthepoem,andnothinghappens--andhegoesonandon--andit'salllonesomeandemptyandnobodyhome.Andhegoesonandon--andnothinghappens--andhecomesonahorse'sskull,drybonesofadeadhorse--andyouknowmorethaneverit'salllonesomeandemptyandnobodyhome.Andthemanraisesahorntohislipsandblows--hefixesaproudneckandforeheadtowardtheemptyskyandtheemptyland--andblowsonelastwonder-cry.Andastheshuttlingautomaticmemoryofmanclicksoffitsresultswilly-nillyandinevitableasthesnickofamouse-traporthetrajectoryofa42-centimetreprojectile,IflashtotheformofamantohishipsinsnowdriftsofManitobaandMinnesota--inthesledderbyrunfromWinnipegtoMinneapolis.HeisbeatenintheracethefirstdayoutofWinnipeg--theleaddogiseatenbyfourteammates--andthemangoesonandon--runningwhiletheotherracersride,runningwhiletheotherracerssleep--Lostinablizzardtwenty-fourhours,repeatingacircleoftravelhourafterhour--fightingthedogswhodigholesinthesnowandwhimperforsleep--pushingon--runningandwalkingfivehundredmilestotheendoftherace--almostawinner--onetoefrozen,feetblisteredandfrost-bitten.

AndIknowwhyathousandyoungmenoftheNorth-westmeethiminthefinishingmilesandyellcheers--Iknowwhyjudgesoftheracecallhimawinnerandgivehimaspecialprizeeventhoughheisaloser.Iknowhekeptunderhisshirtandaroundhisthuddingheartamidtheblizzardsoffivehundredmilesthatonelastwonder-cryofChildeRoland--andItoldthesixyearoldgirlaboutit.AndwhiletheJanuarywindwasrippingattheshinglesandwhistlingawolfsongundertheeaves,hereyeshadthehazeofautumnhillsanditwasbeautifultoherandshecouldnotunderstand.

CarlSandburg


Manual System

MaryhasathingamajigclampedonherearsAndsitsalldaytakingplugsoutandstickingplugsin.Flashesandflashes--voiesandvoicescallingforearstoputwordsinFacesattheendsofwiresaskingforotherfacesattheendsofotherwires:Alldaytakingplugsoutandstickingplugsin,Maryhasathingamajigclampedonherears.

CarlSandburg


Margaret

ManybirdsandthebeatingofwingsMakeaflingingrecklesshumIntheearlymorningattherocksAbovethebluepoolWherethegrayshadowsswimlazy.

Inyourblueeyes,Orecklesschild,Isawtodaymanylittlewildwishes,Eagerasthegreatmorning.

CarlSandburg


Mask

Flingyourredscarffasterandfaster,dancer.Itissummerandthesunlovesamilliongreenleaves,massesofgreen.Yourredscarfflashesacrossthemcallinganda-calling.ThesilkandflareofitisagreatsopranoleadingachorusCarriedalonginarouseofvoicesreachingfortheheartoftheworld.Yourtoesaresingingtomeetthesongofyourarms:

Lettheredscarfgoswifter.Summerandthesuncommandyou.

CarlSandburg


Masses

AmongthemountainsIwanderedandsawbluehazeandredcragandwasamazed;Onthebeachwherethelongpushundertheendlesstidemaneuvers,Istoodsilent;UnderthestarsontheprairiewatchingtheDipperslantoverthehorizonsgrass,Iwasfullofthoughts.Greatmen,pageantsofwarandlabor,soldiersandworkers,mothersliftingtheirchildrentheseallItouched,andfeltthesolemnthrillofthem.AndthenonedayIgotatruelookatthePoor,millionsofthePoor,patientandtoiling;morepatientthancrags,tides,andstars;innumerable,patientasthedarknessofnightandallbroken,humbleruinsofnations.

CarlSandburg


Maybe

Maybehebelievesme,maybenot.MaybeIcanmarryhim,maybenot.

Maybethewindontheprairie,Thewindonthesea,maybe,Somebody,somewhere,maybecantell.

IwilllaymyheadonhisshoulderAndwhenheasksmeIwillsayyes,Maybe.

CarlSandburg


Medallion

ThebrassmedallionprofileofyourfaceIkeepalways.Itisnotjinglingwithloosechangeinmypockets.Itisnotstuckupinashowplaceontheofficewall.IcarryitinaspecialsecretpocketinthedayAnditisundermypillowatnight.Thebrasscamefromalongwaysoff:itwasupagainsthellandhighwater,fireandflood,beforethefacewasputonit.Itisthesideofahead;awomanwishes;awomanwaits;awomanswearsbehindsilentlipsthattheseawillbringhomewhatisgone.

CarlSandburg

carl sandburg poems

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