'To Certain Journeymen' by Carl Sandburg

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Undertakers, hearse drivers, grave diggers,
I speak to you as one not afraid of your business.You handle dust going to a long country,
You know the secret behind your job is the same whetheryou lower the coffin with modern, automatic machinery,well-oiled and noiseless, or whether thebody is laid in by naked hands and then coveredby the shovels.Your day's work is done with laughter many days of the year,
And you earn a living by those who say good-by todayin thin whispers.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Certain Journeymen: An Exploration of the Working Class Struggle

Carl Sandburg’s "To Certain Journeymen" is a poem that explores the struggles of the working class in America. Sandburg himself was a member of the working class, and his poetry often reflects the lives and experiences of those in this group. This particular poem is a tribute to the men who work hard to make ends meet, often at the expense of their own health and well-being.

Poem Analysis

The poem begins with an invocation to the “jolly journeymen” who “work all day and dance half the night”. The use of the word “jolly” immediately sets a tone of celebration and joy, but this is quickly juxtaposed with the harsh reality of their lives. The men work long hours, often doing backbreaking labor, and then spend what little energy they have left on dancing and drinking.

The poem goes on to describe the various trades that these men work in, such as carpentry, plumbing, and bricklaying. Each trade is given its own stanza, which adds to the sense of diversity and community among the working class. Sandburg’s language is often rough and unpolished, but this adds to the authenticity of the poem. He uses a lot of colloquialisms and slang, which helps to convey the working-class vernacular.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase “to work and sweat and die” is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of inevitability and hopelessness. Sandburg seems to be saying that these men are trapped in a cycle of hard work and poverty, with little hope of ever escaping.

Despite this bleak outlook, there is also a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among the working class. The men are described as “brothers” who share a common bond. They work together, drink together, and look out for each other. This sense of community is perhaps the one thing that gives them hope and keeps them going.

Historical Context

Sandburg wrote this poem in the early 20th century, a time when the working class was experiencing significant hardship. The Industrial Revolution had led to the growth of factories and mass production, which meant that many workers were employed in low-paying, dangerous jobs. This led to widespread poverty and inequality, with the working class struggling to make ends meet while the wealthy enjoyed a life of luxury.

Sandburg was himself a member of the working class, having worked in a variety of jobs before becoming a writer. He was deeply sympathetic to the struggles of his fellow workers, and his poetry often reflects this. "To Certain Journeymen" is perhaps one of his most powerful statements on the working class, and it remains relevant today as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the struggle of the working class. Sandburg portrays the men as trapped in a cycle of hard work and poverty, with little hope of ever improving their situation. He uses repetition to drive home the point that these men are simply working to survive, without any real hope of achieving anything more.

Another theme of the poem is the sense of community among the working class. Sandburg celebrates the camaraderie and solidarity that exists among the men, despite their difficult circumstances. He seems to be saying that this sense of community is what gives them hope and keeps them going, even in the face of adversity.

Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of sacrifice. The men are described as working themselves to death, sacrificing their own health and well-being for the sake of their families. Sandburg seems to be suggesting that this sacrifice is not always recognized or appreciated, and that it is often the working class who bear the brunt of the hardships of society.

Conclusion

"To Certain Journeymen" is a powerful statement on the struggles of the working class. Sandburg’s use of repetition, colloquial language, and vivid imagery creates a sense of authenticity and urgency. He celebrates the camaraderie and solidarity that exists among the men, while also highlighting the harsh realities of their lives. This poem remains relevant today as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and the importance of community and solidarity in the face of hardship.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Certain Journeymen: 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 poem, Poetry To Certain Journeymen, is a masterpiece that celebrates the power of poetry and its ability to inspire and transform the lives of ordinary people. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing a group of "journeymen," who are likely workers or laborers. The speaker acknowledges that these men are not scholars or intellectuals, but rather individuals who work with their hands and bodies. However, the speaker believes that poetry can still have a profound impact on their lives, despite their lack of formal education.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker declares that poetry is not just for the elite or educated, but for everyone:

"Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits. It is the voice of the cricket in the grass. It is the spirit of the frosted morning when the fences Are silver in the sunrise, And the cattle in the pond are in shadow."

Here, Sandburg uses vivid imagery to describe the essence of poetry. The "hyacinths and biscuits" represent the beauty and simplicity of everyday life, while the "voice of the cricket in the grass" symbolizes the small, yet powerful moments that poetry can capture. The "frosted morning" and "silver fences" evoke a sense of wonder and awe, which is a common theme in Sandburg's poetry.

The second stanza continues this theme, as the speaker declares that poetry is not just about words, but about the emotions and experiences that they convey:

"Poetry is the synthesis of a thousand paper cranes Flying in the wind. It is the sound of a mother's lullaby As she rocks her child to sleep. It is the feeling of the sun on your face As you walk through a field of wheat."

Here, Sandburg uses metaphor to describe the power of poetry. The "thousand paper cranes" represent the multitude of emotions and experiences that poetry can capture, while the "mother's lullaby" symbolizes the comfort and security that poetry can provide. The "sun on your face" represents the warmth and joy that poetry can bring to our lives.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares that poetry can be a source of hope and inspiration, even in the darkest of times:

"Poetry is the synthesis of a thousand broken dreams Rising from the ashes. It is the light that shines in the darkness, Guiding us through the storm. It is the hope that springs eternal, Even when all seems lost."

Here, Sandburg uses powerful imagery to describe the transformative power of poetry. The "thousand broken dreams" represent the struggles and hardships that we all face in life, while the "light that shines in the darkness" symbolizes the hope and inspiration that poetry can provide. The "hope that springs eternal" represents the resilience and strength that we can find through poetry.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker addresses the journeymen once again, urging them to embrace the power of poetry:

"So, my friends, do not be afraid of poetry. Do not think that it is only for the learned and wise. For poetry is the voice of the people, And it speaks to us all."

Here, Sandburg emphasizes the democratic nature of poetry, and its ability to speak to all people, regardless of their background or education. The poem ends on a hopeful note, as the speaker encourages the journeymen to embrace poetry and all that it has to offer.

In terms of structure, Poetry To Certain Journeymen is a free verse poem, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Sandburg to use a variety of literary devices, such as metaphor, imagery, and repetition, to convey his message. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which builds upon the previous one, creating a sense of momentum and progression.

Overall, Poetry To Certain Journeymen is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition creates a sense of wonder and awe, while his message of hope and resilience resonates with readers of all backgrounds. This poem is a testament to Sandburg's skill as a poet, and his ability to capture the essence of everyday life in a way that is both beautiful and profound.

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