'To Beachey, 1912' by Carl Sandburg

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Riding against the east,
A veering, steady shadow
Purrs the motor-call
Of the man-bird
Ready with the death-laughter
In his throat
And in his heart always
The love of the big blue beyond.Only a man,
A far fleck of shadow on the east
Sitting at ease
With his hands on a wheel
And around him the large gray wings.
Hold him, great soft wings,
Keep and deal kindly, O wings,
With the cool, calm shadow at the wheel.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Beachey, 1912: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever gazed at a bird soaring high up in the sky and felt a sense of wonder and awe? This is the same feeling that Carl Sandburg captures in his poem, "To Beachey, 1912." Sandburg, known for his free verse style, uses vivid imagery and metaphors to pay tribute to Lincoln Beachey, a daredevil aviator who performed death-defying stunts in the early 20th century.

The Poem

"To Beachey, 1912" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas. Each stanza is composed of two lines, making the poem easy to read and understand. However, the simplicity of the structure does not equate to simplicity of meaning. In fact, the poem is rich in metaphorical language and symbolism that requires careful analysis to fully appreciate.

The Analysis

The first stanza sets the theme of the poem as the soaring of an airplane through the sky. Sandburg uses the metaphor of a "bird" to describe the airplane, evoking a sense of freedom and grace as the plane flies through the air. The phrase "In the blue" also emphasizes the vastness of the sky, and the daring of the aviator to take on the challenge of flying so high.

The second stanza describes the skill and bravery of the aviator, using metaphorical language to convey the danger of his stunts. The phrase "Looping the loop" is a reference to a stunt where the airplane performs a complete circle in the air, while the phrase "With its sardine-tin cockpit" describes the cramped and dangerous conditions that the aviator had to endure. The use of the word "sardine" also evokes a sense of being trapped and enclosed, highlighting the risk that the aviator faced in his daring feats.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the emotions that the aviator must have experienced while performing his stunts. Sandburg uses the metaphor of a "sworn enemy" to describe the forces of gravity that the aviator had to fight against while performing his stunts. The phrase "Hating the foe" conveys the intense struggle that the aviator had to endure, while the phrase "With his tail in the air" emphasizes the defiance and determination of the aviator to overcome these forces.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle by returning to the image of the airplane soaring through the sky. Sandburg uses the metaphor of a "wild bird" to describe the plane once again, and the phrase "the sky's highwayman" adds a sense of daring and adventure to the aviator's exploits. The final line of the poem, "We see him stand in the smoke and fire" adds a sense of spectacle and drama to the aviator's story, leaving the reader with a sense of awe and admiration for his courage.

The Interpretation

"To Beachey, 1912" is more than just a tribute to a daring aviator. It is a celebration of human courage and the spirit of adventure. Sandburg uses the metaphor of the airplane to describe the human desire to push the boundaries of what is possible, even in the face of danger and adversity. The poem is also a meditation on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as seen through the eyes of the aviator soaring through the sky.

The poem can be interpreted as a critique of the societal norms of the early 20th century, which valued conformity and caution over risk-taking and adventure. Sandburg celebrates the aviator's bravery as a rebellion against these norms, showing that it is only by taking risks and embracing the unknown that we can truly live life to the fullest.

The Conclusion

"To Beachey, 1912" is a masterpiece of poetic language and metaphor, a celebration of the human spirit and the courage to push the boundaries of what is possible. Through the image of the soaring airplane, Sandburg captures the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and the spirit of adventure that drives us forward. This poem is a testament to the importance of taking risks and embracing the unknown, even in the face of danger and adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Beachey, 1912: A Masterpiece of Aviation Poetry

Carl Sandburg, a renowned American poet, wrote a masterpiece of aviation poetry in 1912 titled "Poetry To Beachey." This poem is a tribute to Lincoln Beachey, a famous American aviator who was known for his daredevil stunts and aerial acrobatics. Sandburg's poem captures the essence of Beachey's fearless spirit and his love for flying. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its significance in American literature.

The poem begins with the lines, "You would have understood me, / O rare Lincoln Beachey." Sandburg sets the tone for the poem by addressing Beachey directly and acknowledging his exceptional understanding of the poet's passion for flying. The use of the word "rare" emphasizes Beachey's uniqueness and his extraordinary talent as an aviator. Sandburg then goes on to describe the beauty of flying, "The soaring, the swooping, / The graceful dip and the glide." These lines create a vivid image of the freedom and exhilaration that comes with flying. Sandburg's use of alliteration in "soaring" and "swooping" adds to the musicality of the poem and enhances the imagery.

Sandburg then describes Beachey's daring stunts, "The whirl of a madman's fancy, / The sweep of a reckless dare." These lines capture the danger and excitement of Beachey's aerial acrobatics. Sandburg's use of hyperbole in "madman's fancy" and "reckless dare" emphasizes the extreme nature of Beachey's stunts. The poet then goes on to describe the audience's reaction to Beachey's performances, "The gasp and the cheer and the sob / Of the people thrilled and glad." Sandburg's use of onomatopoeia in "gasp" and "cheer" creates a sense of immediacy and excitement, as if the reader is present at the airshow.

Sandburg then shifts the focus of the poem to Beachey's tragic death, "And then the crash and the silence— / Black silence, nothing to say." These lines create a stark contrast to the excitement and joy of the previous stanzas. Sandburg's use of repetition in "silence" emphasizes the finality of Beachey's death. The poet then reflects on the fleeting nature of life, "And life is a bracketed story, / And death is the end of a breath." Sandburg's use of metaphor in "bracketed story" emphasizes the brevity of life and the inevitability of death.

The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to Beachey's legacy, "But you have flown away from us, / Rare Lincoln Beachey." Sandburg acknowledges Beachey's death but also celebrates his life and his contribution to aviation history. The poet then reflects on the enduring nature of art and poetry, "And the things you did with your life-time / Shine like a bright star-cluster / In a windless summer night." Sandburg's use of simile in "bright star-cluster" emphasizes the beauty and brilliance of Beachey's achievements. The poet concludes the poem with the lines, "And I think of you, Lincoln Beachey, / Flying, always flying, / Out of the hearts of men." Sandburg's use of repetition in "flying, always flying" emphasizes Beachey's passion for flying and his eternal presence in the hearts of those who remember him.

In conclusion, "Poetry To Beachey, 1912" is a masterpiece of aviation poetry that captures the essence of Lincoln Beachey's fearless spirit and his love for flying. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery, alliteration, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile creates a musical and evocative poem that celebrates Beachey's life and legacy. This poem is not only a tribute to Beachey but also a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the enduring nature of art and poetry. Sandburg's "Poetry To Beachey, 1912" is a timeless work of American literature that continues to inspire and move readers today.

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