'Under The Harvest Moon' by Carl Sandburg

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Under the harvest moon,
When the soft silver
Drips shimmering
Over the garden nights,
Death, the gray mocker,
Comes and whispers to you
As a beautiful friend
Who remembers.

Under the summer roses
When the flagrant crimson
Lurks in the dusk
Of the wild red leaves,
Love, with little hands,
Comes and touches you
With a thousand memories,
And asks you
Beautiful, unanswerable questions.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Under The Harvest Moon by Carl Sandburg: A Poem of Nature and Love

When was the last time you went for a walk in the moonlight, surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the scent of ripe fruit? When was the last time you felt the magic of a season turning, of the earth giving its bounty, of the stars shining bright above your head? Carl Sandburg's poem "Under The Harvest Moon" is a celebration of all these things and more - a lyrical and evocative tribute to the beauty of nature, the power of love, and the fleetingness of human experience.

The Poem's Structure and Style

"Under The Harvest Moon" is a lyric poem, meaning it expresses the poet's emotions and personal feelings rather than telling a story or making an argument. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines, and follows a simple and repetitive rhyme scheme (ABCBDE). Sandburg's language is simple and direct, with short and punchy lines that create a sense of rhythm and momentum.

The poem's title sets the scene immediately, placing us in the midst of a rural landscape during the autumn harvest. Sandburg's descriptions of the moon, leaves, and fruit create a vivid and sensory picture of the setting, while his use of personification (the moon "smiles", the leaves "whisper") gives the natural world a lively and almost human character.

The Themes of Nature and Love

At its core, "Under The Harvest Moon" is a poem about the beauty and power of nature, and the way it can inspire and uplift us as human beings. Sandburg's descriptions of the moon, the leaves, and the fruit all capture the richness and abundance of the natural world, while his use of metaphors (the moon as a "topaz", the leaves as "rustling silk") suggests a sense of wonder and awe.

But the poem is also a love poem, with Sandburg using the natural world as a metaphor for the power and intensity of human emotion. The lines "The light of love is an unchanging light" and "The fruit of love is a sweet fruit" suggest that love is as essential and nourishing as the fruit of the harvest, while the final stanza's declaration that "Love is not love / Which alters when it alteration finds" reinforces the idea that love is a constant and enduring force, even in a world that is constantly changing.

The Poem's Historical Context

"Under The Harvest Moon" was first published in 1916, during a time when America was undergoing significant social, cultural, and political changes. The country was on the brink of entering World War I, and the upheaval of the Industrial Revolution was transforming the landscape and way of life for many Americans.

In this context, Sandburg's celebration of nature and love takes on a special significance. The poem can be seen as a retreat from the chaos and uncertainty of modern life, a return to a simpler and more authentic way of being. Sandburg's descriptions of the moon, leaves, and fruit suggest a connection to a more traditional and rural way of life, while his emphasis on the unchanging and enduring nature of love speaks to the need for stability and continuity in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion: A Poem of Timeless Beauty and Relevance

"Under The Harvest Moon" is a poem that speaks to us across time and space, with its celebration of nature, love, and the human spirit. Sandburg's simple and direct language, combined with his vivid and evocative descriptions, create a sense of wonder and awe that is both timeless and universal. Whether we are living in the midst of a modern city or a rural landscape, whether we are experiencing the joys and sorrows of love or the tumult of historical change, this poem reminds us of the power and beauty of the natural world, and the enduring nature of human emotion. So the next time you go for a walk in the moonlight, remember Carl Sandburg's words, and let them inspire you to see the world in a new and magical way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Under The Harvest Moon: A Poem of Love and Nature

Carl Sandburg’s poem “Under The Harvest Moon” is a beautiful and romantic piece that captures the essence of love and nature. The poem is a celebration of the autumn season, the harvest moon, and the beauty of the countryside. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul, and it is a perfect example of Sandburg’s unique style of writing.

The poem begins with a description of the harvest moon, which is a full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. Sandburg describes the moon as “a curved yellow pumpkin” that hangs low in the sky. This image is both vivid and evocative, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Sandburg then goes on to describe the countryside, which is bathed in the soft light of the harvest moon. He describes the fields as “brown and gold” and the trees as “rustling in the breeze”. This imagery is both beautiful and peaceful, and it creates a sense of tranquility and serenity.

The poem then shifts its focus to the lovers who are walking through the countryside. Sandburg describes them as “two by two in the amber moonlight” and “hand in hand”. This image is both romantic and intimate, and it captures the essence of the love that the two share.

Sandburg then goes on to describe the lovers’ conversation, which is filled with “whispers and low laughter”. This image is both tender and playful, and it creates a sense of intimacy and closeness between the two.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Sandburg reflects on the nature of love and the passing of time. He writes, “Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink nor slumber nor a roof against the rain”. This line is both poignant and thought-provoking, and it reminds us that love is not just a physical or material thing, but something much deeper and more profound.

Sandburg then goes on to describe the passing of time, and how it affects both love and nature. He writes, “The moon is always rising / And the stars are always shining / But the clock strikes midnight / And the lovers move on”. This image is both melancholy and beautiful, and it reminds us that everything in life is fleeting and temporary.

The poem then ends with a final image of the lovers disappearing into the night, as the moon and stars continue to shine. Sandburg writes, “The moon and the stars can follow the trail / Of the lovers who are gone”. This image is both haunting and beautiful, and it leaves us with a sense of wonder and awe.

Overall, “Under The Harvest Moon” is a beautiful and romantic poem that captures the essence of love and nature. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul, and it reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life. Sandburg’s unique style of writing, with its vivid imagery and philosophical musings, makes this poem a true masterpiece of American literature.

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