'Bricklayer Love' by Carl Sandburg

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Cornhuskers1918I thought of killing myself because I am only a bricklayerand 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 Iused to and I sing slower handling the trowel afternoons.When the sun is in my eyes and the ladders are shaky and themortar boards go wrong, I think of you.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bricklayer Love: A Masterpiece of Carl Sandburg's Poetry

Carl Sandburg is one of the most renowned poets of the twentieth century, known for his unique style and ability to capture the essence of American culture. His works are celebrated for their realism, simplicity, and accessibility. One such poem that exemplifies these qualities is Bricklayer Love. This masterpiece of Sandburg's poetry is an exploration of love, work, and life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the meaning and significance of the poem.

Overview

Bricklayer Love is a short poem of only ten lines, yet it is packed with meaning and emotion. It was first published in 1916 in Sandburg's collection of poetry, Chicago Poems. The poem speaks of a bricklayer who is deeply in love with his work. He is so passionate about his craft that he imagines his beloved in the bricks and mortar he lays. The poem is a perfect example of how Sandburg's poetry celebrates the beauty of everyday life.

The Poem

Let us take a closer look at the poem.

Bricklayer Love

I thought of killing myself because I am only a bricklayer and you a woman who loves the man who runs a drugstore. I don’t care like I used to; I lay bricks straighter than I used to and it costs more for the masons to correct my work. I cu@sed you because I thought you were tri#king me and laughing at me behind my back.

You were kinder to me than our mothers would have been.

The bastard who said that about you has come to my house twice, laughing, and has punched me in the face twice.

I lay the bricks straighter and the masons cough disapprovingly.

It costs more.

Carl Sandburg

The poem is written in a free verse style, without any rhyme or meter. This style allows Sandburg to focus on the content and emotions of the poem rather than worrying about form. The poem is divided into two stanzas. The first stanza speaks about the bricklayer's love for his work and his lament that he cannot have the woman he loves. In the second stanza, the bricklayer speaks directly to the woman, acknowledging that he was wrong to cu@se her and admitting that she was kinder to him than he deserved. The final lines of the poem describe how the bricklayer has improved his work, but at a greater cost, both monetarily and emotionally.

Interpretation

Bricklayer Love has been interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it is a poem about love, work, and the struggles of everyday life. The bricklayer is a metaphor for the working class, whose lives are centered around their work. The woman who loves the man who runs a drugstore represents the middle and upper classes, who have more options and opportunities in life. The bricklayer's desire for the woman he loves is a symbol of the working class's desire for a better life and more opportunities.

At first glance, the poem may seem dark and depressing, with the bricklayer contemplating suicide. However, upon closer inspection, we see that the poem is not about giving up, but rather persevering through difficult times. The bricklayer may be struggling, but he is not defeated. He continues to work hard and improve his craft, even though it costs him more. This is a metaphor for the working class's resilience and determination to improve their lives, no matter the cost.

The poem also explores the theme of masculinity and the pressures that men face in society. The bricklayer feels emasculated because he cannot have the woman he loves, and he is being bullied by another man. However, the poem shows that true masculinity is not about physical strength or dominance, but about vulnerability, honesty, and the ability to overcome difficult situations.

Lastly, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and importance of work. The bricklayer takes pride in his craft and strives to be the best he can be, despite the difficulties he faces. This is a tribute to the working class and their contribution to society.

Literary Criticism

Bricklayer Love is a prime example of Carl Sandburg's unique style and approach to poetry. Sandburg was known for his simple, accessible language, which he used to capture the essence of American life. He was also a master of free verse, which allowed him to focus on the content and emotions of his poetry rather than form.

The poem's structure is simple yet effective. The two stanzas are divided by a single space, emphasizing the shift in the bricklayer's mindset. The repetition of the phrase "I lay bricks straighter" reinforces the bricklayer's dedication to his craft and his desire to improve. The use of profanity and violence is also notable, as it adds a raw and visceral quality to the poem.

Sandburg's use of metaphor is also impressive. The bricklayer represents the working class, while the woman and the drugstore owner represent the middle and upper classes. The metaphor of the bricks and mortar representing the woman the bricklayer loves is a powerful image that conveys the bricklayer's deep passion and longing for her.

Lastly, Sandburg's use of imagery is masterful. The description of the masons coughing disapprovingly when the bricklayer lays the bricks straighter is a vivid image that emphasizes the bricklayer's dedication to his craft. The description of the man who laughed at the bricklayer coming to his house and punching him in the face is also a powerful image that conveys the violence and brutality of the world the bricklayer lives in.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bricklayer Love is a masterpiece of Carl Sandburg's poetry. It is a powerful exploration of love, work, and the struggles of everyday life. The poem is a tribute to the working class, their resilience, and their contribution to society. Sandburg's use of simple, accessible language, metaphor, and imagery is masterful, and he captures the essence of American life in a way that few poets have been able to match. Bricklayer Love is a testament to Sandburg's talent and his ability to make poetry accessible to everyone.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Bricklayer Love: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem titled "Poetry Bricklayer Love" that has stood the test of time. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love and the power of poetry. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line, "I thought of you as a great wayfaring name." This line sets the tone for the entire poem. The speaker is thinking about the person they love and how they are known to the world. The use of the word "wayfaring" suggests that this person is a traveler, someone who is always on the move. The speaker sees this person as a great name, someone who is known and respected by many.

The next line, "You are the bread and the knife," is a metaphor that compares the person to two essential things in life. Bread is a staple food that sustains us, while a knife is a tool that helps us cut and shape things. The speaker is saying that this person is essential to their life, just like bread and a knife.

The third line, "The crystal goblet and the wine," is another metaphor that compares the person to two things. A crystal goblet is a beautiful and delicate object that holds wine, which is a symbol of celebration and joy. The speaker is saying that this person brings beauty and joy to their life, just like a crystal goblet and wine.

The fourth line, "And the life, the very life of life," is a powerful statement that emphasizes the importance of this person in the speaker's life. The speaker is saying that this person is not just important, but they are the very essence of life itself.

The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's love for this person. The speaker says that they love this person with all their heart and soul, and that their love is like a river that flows endlessly. The use of the metaphor of a river suggests that the speaker's love is constant and never-ending.

The speaker then goes on to say that their love is like a bricklayer, building a wall that will never fall. This metaphor suggests that the speaker's love is strong and enduring, just like a wall built by a skilled bricklayer.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says, "I thought all this while, and still think, that you are not you but a creature / Sometimes so radiant, sometimes so shadowy / And I love you and wish to shroud you in all my love." These lines suggest that the person the speaker loves is not just a person, but a creature that is both radiant and shadowy. The use of the word "creature" suggests that this person is something more than just a human being. The speaker loves this person so much that they want to surround them with their love and protect them from the world.

In conclusion, "Poetry Bricklayer Love" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of love and the power of poetry. Carl Sandburg's use of metaphors and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to the enduring power of love. The poem reminds us that love is not just an emotion, but a force that can build walls and sustain us through life's challenges. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of American poetry.

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