'Bricklayer Love' by Carl Sandburg
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I thought of killing myself because I am only a bricklayer
and you a woman who loves the man who runs a drug store.
I don't care like I used to; I lay bricks straighter than I
used to and I sing slower handling the trowel afternoons.
When the sun is in my eyes and the ladders are shaky and the
mortar boards go wrong, I think of you.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Bricklayer Love: A Heartwarming Tale of Working-Class Romance
When you think of love poems, you probably picture flowery language and over-the-top imagery. But Carl Sandburg's "Bricklayer Love" is a refreshing departure from that stereotype. This 1916 poem is a straightforward, unpretentious ode to the love between two working-class people.
At first glance, "Bricklayer Love" seems like a simple, almost prosaic poem. It's just a description of a man and a woman going about their daily lives, interspersed with occasional declarations of love. But as you delve deeper into the poem, you begin to see the beauty and complexity of Sandburg's work.
The Setting
The poem takes place in a very specific setting: a construction site. This is no coincidence. Sandburg was a lifelong advocate for the working class, and he often used his poetry to shed light on the lives of ordinary people. By setting "Bricklayer Love" on a construction site, he's inviting us to see the beauty in an often-overlooked aspect of society.
The construction site is not just a backdrop, either. Sandburg uses specific details to bring the scene to life. For example, he describes the bricklayer's trowel as "a red feather / In his fingers", which both emphasizes the beauty of the tool and implies that the bricklayer is something of a master craftsman. Similarly, the "clink of trowels" and the "hiss and sigh of mortar" create a sensory experience that draws the reader into the world of the poem.
The Characters
The two main characters in "Bricklayer Love" are a man and a woman who are clearly in love with each other. But what's remarkable about Sandburg's portrayal of them is how ordinary they are. They're not rich or famous or conventionally beautiful. They're just two people who happen to have found each other.
And yet, Sandburg imbues them with a quiet dignity that makes them stand out. The woman, for example, is described as having "a face like a pansy", which is not traditionally considered a beautiful flower. But Sandburg's description makes you see her in a different light. Similarly, the man is described as having "a mustache like a cat", which is an unusual comparison. But it works, because it gives the man a sense of playfulness and mystery.
The Love Story
The love story in "Bricklayer Love" is not a conventional one. There are no grand gestures or romantic proclamations. Instead, the love between the man and the woman is conveyed through small, everyday actions. They pass each other "a brick and the life between," which is a powerful metaphor for the way they support each other. They share a lunch of "cold meat sandwiches and coffee", which is not a glamorous meal, but is a testament to their simple happiness.
Sandburg is not interested in creating a fairy-tale romance. Instead, he's showing us how love can exist even in the midst of mundane, difficult circumstances. The man and the woman in "Bricklayer Love" are not perfect, but their love is real and enduring.
The Poetic Techniques
While "Bricklayer Love" is not a showy poem, Sandburg does use several poetic techniques to heighten its impact. One of the most notable is his use of repetition. The phrase "Love is a jewel" appears three times in the poem, each time with a slightly different modifier: "Love is a jewel / Rare and sweet / Rich and strong." This repetition gives the phrase a sense of importance and weight.
Sandburg also uses enjambment to great effect. For example, the line "They eat together / They work together" is split in half by the line break, which makes the two actions seem both separate and connected. This technique creates a sense of intimacy and unity that underscores the love between the man and the woman.
The Theme
At its core, "Bricklayer Love" is about the power of love to transcend difficult circumstances. The man and the woman in the poem are not living glamorous lives, but they find joy and comfort in each other. Sandburg is saying that love is not a luxury for the rich and famous, but a necessity for all people.
This theme is particularly relevant today, when economic inequality is a pressing issue. "Bricklayer Love" is a reminder that no matter what our circumstances may be, we all deserve love and happiness.
Conclusion
"Bricklayer Love" may not be the most famous or flashy poem in the world, but it's a gem nonetheless. Carl Sandburg's simple, honest portrayal of working-class love is both heartwarming and important. By elevating the lives of ordinary people, Sandburg shows us the beauty that exists all around us.
So the next time you see a construction site or a cold meat sandwich, think of "Bricklayer Love" and remember that even in the midst of difficulty, love is possible.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bricklayer Love: A Poem of Enduring Love and Hard Work
Carl Sandburg's poem "Bricklayer Love" is a beautiful tribute to the enduring love between two people who work hard for a living. The poem is a celebration of the simple joys of life, the beauty of hard work, and the power of love to sustain us through the toughest times.
The poem begins with a description of the bricklayer's work, as he lays bricks in the hot sun. The imagery is vivid and evocative, as Sandburg describes the "sweat and blood" that go into the work. The bricklayer is a man who knows the value of hard work, and he takes pride in his craft. He is a man who is not afraid to get his hands dirty, and he is willing to work long hours to provide for his family.
But the poem is not just about the bricklayer's work. It is also about his love for his wife. Sandburg describes the way the bricklayer looks at his wife, with "eyes that hold the blue print of his soul." The love between the two is palpable, and it is clear that they are deeply devoted to each other.
The poem goes on to describe the simple pleasures that the couple enjoys together. They take walks in the park, they sit on the porch and watch the sunset, and they share meals together. These are not grand gestures, but they are the things that make life worth living. They are the moments that we cherish, the memories that we hold onto.
Sandburg's poem is a celebration of the working class, of the people who toil day in and day out to make a living. It is a tribute to the dignity of labor, and to the power of love to sustain us through the toughest times. The bricklayer and his wife are not wealthy, but they are rich in the things that matter most: love, family, and a sense of purpose.
The poem is also a reminder that love is not always easy. The bricklayer and his wife have their share of struggles, but they face them together. They are a team, and they support each other through thick and thin. This is the kind of love that endures, the kind of love that we all aspire to.
In conclusion, "Bricklayer Love" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the enduring love between two people who work hard for a living. It is a tribute to the dignity of labor, and to the power of love to sustain us through the toughest times. Sandburg's vivid imagery and evocative language bring the poem to life, and his message is one that resonates with us all. We may not all be bricklayers, but we can all appreciate the value of hard work, and the beauty of a love that endures.
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