'Back Yard' by Carl Sandburg
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Shine on, O moon of summer.
Shine to the leaves of grass, catalpa and oak,
All silver under your rain to-night.
An Italian boy is sending songs to you to-night from an
accordion.
A Polish boy is out with his best girl; they marry next
month; to-night they are throwing you kisses.
An old man next door is dreaming over a sheen that sits
in a cherry tree in his back yard.
The clocks say I must go--I stay here sitting on the
back porch drinking white thoughts you rain down.
Shine on, O moon,
Shake out more and more silver changes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Back Yard: A Masterpiece of Simplicity and Complexity
Carl Sandburg's "Back Yard" is a poem that captures the essence of everyday life in a way that is both simple and complex. At first glance, the poem may seem like a mere description of a backyard scene, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Sandburg is using this scene as a metaphor for the complexities of life.
The Scene
The poem begins with a simple description of the backyard:
Shack and a back yard, In Hailey Street in Chicago, A gray, Fog-filmed, Snarl-toothed Back yard.
From the very beginning, Sandburg sets the tone for the poem. The language is stark and unadorned, yet there is a sense of foreboding in the use of words like "gray" and "snarl-toothed." The fog that fills the backyard is almost suffocating, and it creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia.
The Metaphor
As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Sandburg is using the backyard as a metaphor for the complexities of life. The "shack" represents the individual, while the "back yard" represents their inner world. The fog that fills the backyard represents the confusion and uncertainty that can often cloud our thinking, while the "snarl-toothed" landscape represents the difficulties and obstacles that we must face.
In the back yard lean-to Are the piled lumber-piles of Time-and-weather-silvered Planks and timbers, Ash, hickory, oak, And poplar bundled for kindling.
The "lean-to" in the backyard represents the individual's past, and the "piled lumber-piles" represent the memories and experiences that have shaped them. The fact that the lumber is "time-and-weather-silvered" suggests that these experiences have been weathered and worn over time, but they still hold value.
The three-legged dog Hobbles and yelps by the back door, Eating the garbage, Dragging himself on three legs.
The three-legged dog in the poem represents the individual's flaws and imperfections. The fact that he is "hobbling" and "yelping" suggests that these flaws are causing him pain and discomfort. However, the fact that he is still "eating the garbage" and "dragging himself on three legs" suggests that he is still able to persevere despite his flaws.
The Message
The message of the poem is one of resilience and perseverance. Despite the difficulties and obstacles that we may face in life, we are still able to find value in our experiences and memories. Our flaws and imperfections may cause us pain and discomfort, but they do not define us. We are able to push through and find beauty in the midst of chaos and confusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Back Yard" is a masterpiece of simplicity and complexity. Through his use of metaphor and stark language, Sandburg is able to capture the essence of everyday life in a way that is both relatable and profound. The poem reminds us that despite the challenges and uncertainties that we may face, we are still able to find beauty and value in our experiences. It is a message that is both comforting and inspiring, and it is one that we can all take to heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Back Yard: A Poem of Nostalgia and Reflection
Carl Sandburg’s Back Yard is a classic poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and reflection. The poem takes us on a journey through the poet’s memories of his childhood and the backyard of his family home. It is a beautiful and poignant piece of literature that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever looked back on their childhood with fondness and longing.
The poem begins with the lines, “Shine on, O moon of summer. / Shine to the leaves of grass, catalpa and oak, / All silver under your rain to-night.” These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of nature and the beauty of the night. The moon is a symbol of light and hope, and it shines down on the grass, catalpa, and oak trees, illuminating them in a silver glow.
Sandburg then takes us on a journey through his memories of his childhood backyard. He describes the “old wooden peach crates” that were used as steps to climb up to the roof of the garage, and the “rusty iron stove” that was used to cook meals. These images are vivid and evocative, and they transport the reader back in time to a simpler era.
The poet then reflects on the passing of time, and how things change as we grow older. He says, “The time you took your jumper off and ran / Races with the moon along the fence, / A yard wide all the way to the hinges / Of the screen doors.” This image of a child running along the fence with the moon is both beautiful and melancholy, as it reminds us of the fleeting nature of childhood.
Sandburg then describes the sounds of the night, including the “whippoorwill, the far-off hammering / Of the first woodpecker and the rasp of the cricket.” These sounds are familiar to anyone who has spent time in the countryside, and they add to the sense of nostalgia and longing that permeates the poem.
The poet then reflects on the passing of time once again, saying, “The moon swings low and away from the sun, / And the sun is low on the westward sky.” This image of the moon and sun moving across the sky is a reminder that time is always moving forward, and that we cannot hold onto the past forever.
Sandburg then describes the beauty of the night sky, saying, “The moon and the stars set and vanish / Into the morning sea.” This image of the moon and stars disappearing into the sea is both beautiful and haunting, as it reminds us of the impermanence of life.
The poem ends with the lines, “Oh, I know what the white clover felt / As the dew began to fall: / White clover was tall, and I / Was not so tall.” These lines are a reminder that we are all mortal, and that we must cherish the moments we have while we can.
In conclusion, Back Yard is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and reflection. It is a reminder that we must cherish the moments we have, and that time is always moving forward. The poem is filled with vivid and evocative images of nature and childhood, and it speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever looked back on their childhood with fondness and longing. Carl Sandburg was a master of his craft, and Back Yard is a testament to his skill as a poet.
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