'Follies' by Carl Sandburg

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Shaken,
The blossoms of lilac,And shattered,
The atoms of purple.
Green dip the leaves,Darker the bark,
Longer the shadows.Sheer lines of poplar
Shimmer with masses of silver
And down in a garden old with years
And broken walls of ruin and story,
Roses rise with red rain-memories.May!In the open world
The sun comes and finds your face,Remembering all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Follies by Carl Sandburg: A Deeper Look

Have you ever read a poem and wondered, "What is this about?" Or maybe you read it and understood the literal meaning, but felt like there was something more, something deeper that the poet was trying to convey. This is where literary criticism and interpretation come in. Today, we'll be taking a closer look at Carl Sandburg's poem, "Poetry, Follies."

First, let's get a basic understanding of the poem. "Poetry, Follies" is a short poem consisting of only six lines. Here it is in its entirety:

I have studied many times

The marble which was chiseled for me—

A boat with a furled sail at rest in a harbor.

In truth it pictures not my destination

But my life.

For love was offered me and I shrank from its disillusionment;

Sorrow knocked at my door, but I was afraid;

Ambition called to me, but I dreaded the chances.

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple reflection on the speaker's life. However, upon closer inspection, there are deeper themes and meanings to be found.

One of the main themes in "Poetry, Follies" is the idea of missed opportunities. The speaker reflects on his life and the choices he has made, specifically regarding love, sorrow, and ambition. He admits that he was offered love, but was afraid of the disillusionment that may come with it. Similarly, when sorrow came knocking at his door, he was afraid to face it. And when ambition called, he was too afraid to take the chances that came with it.

This theme of missed opportunities is a common one in literature and life. We all have moments where we look back and wonder, "What if?" The speaker's reflection on his life serves as a reminder for readers to seize opportunities when they come, instead of shying away out of fear.

Another theme in "Poetry, Follies" is the idea of perception versus reality. The speaker reflects on a piece of marble that was chiseled for him, depicting a boat at rest in a harbor with a furled sail. At first, the speaker says that the marble does not depict his destination, but upon further examination, he realizes that it does picture his life.

This theme of perception versus reality is also common in literature. It reminds readers that things are not always as they seem, and that it is important to look deeper and question what we see on the surface.

One interesting aspect of "Poetry, Follies" is the use of the word "follies" in the title. Follies are defined as "a foolish act, idea, or practice; an absurdity." This word choice adds an interesting layer to the poem. Is the speaker reflecting on his own follies, or is he saying that all of life's opportunities and experiences are nothing but follies?

Overall, "Poetry, Follies" is a short but thought-provoking poem. Through the themes of missed opportunities and perception versus reality, Carl Sandburg invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they have made.

So next time you read a poem and wonder what it's about, take a closer look. Who knows what deeper meanings and themes you may uncover.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Follies: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg, the renowned American poet, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of everyday life. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of human nature and a keen observation of the world around him. One of his most celebrated works is the Poetry Follies, a collection of poems that explores the various facets of life in a whimsical and playful manner. In this article, we will delve into the world of Poetry Follies and analyze its themes, style, and significance.

The Poetry Follies is a collection of 23 poems that were first published in 1925. The poems are written in free verse, a style that Sandburg was known for. Free verse is a form of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, it relies on the natural rhythms of speech and the poet's own sense of musicality. Sandburg's use of free verse in Poetry Follies allows him to experiment with language and structure, creating a unique and dynamic reading experience.

The themes of Poetry Follies are diverse and cover a wide range of topics. Sandburg explores the beauty of nature, the struggles of everyday life, the complexities of human relationships, and the fleeting nature of time. One of the most prominent themes in the collection is the idea of change. Sandburg recognizes that life is constantly evolving and that we must learn to adapt to new circumstances. In the poem "The Windy City," Sandburg writes:

"The city is always changing, Growing and shrinking, Rising and falling, Like the wind that blows through it."

Sandburg's use of metaphor and personification in this poem creates a vivid image of a city that is in a constant state of flux. The wind becomes a symbol for change, and the city becomes a reflection of the ever-changing nature of life.

Another recurring theme in Poetry Follies is the idea of identity. Sandburg explores the different facets of identity, including race, gender, and class. In the poem "White Shoulders," Sandburg writes:

"White shoulders, white shoulders, In the moonlight they gleam, Like the snow on the mountains, Or the foam on the stream."

Sandburg's use of imagery in this poem creates a sense of beauty and purity. However, the poem can also be read as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women. The "white shoulders" become a symbol for the idealized feminine form, and the poem suggests that women are often judged based on their appearance rather than their character.

Sandburg's use of humor and satire is another defining feature of Poetry Follies. He pokes fun at societal norms and conventions, exposing their absurdity and hypocrisy. In the poem "The People, Yes," Sandburg writes:

"The people, yes, the people, Will live on. The learning and blundering people Will live on."

Sandburg's use of repetition in this poem creates a sense of rhythm and momentum. However, the poem can also be read as a commentary on the resilience of the human spirit. Sandburg suggests that despite our flaws and mistakes, we will continue to persevere and thrive.

In conclusion, Poetry Follies is a masterpiece of American literature. Sandburg's use of free verse, diverse themes, and humor create a unique and dynamic reading experience. The collection explores the complexities of human nature and the ever-changing nature of life. Sandburg's work continues to inspire and captivate readers today, and his legacy as one of America's greatest poets lives on.

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