'They Will Say' by Carl Sandburg

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Of my city the worst that men will ever say is this:
You took little children away from the sun and the dew,
And the glimmers that played in the grass under the great sky,
And the reckless rain; you put them between walls
To work, broken and smothered, for bread and wages,
To eat dust in their throats and die empty-hearted
For a little handful of pay on a few Saturday nights.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry That Captivates: An In-Depth Analysis of Carl Sandburg's "They Will Say"

Have you ever read a poem that sends shivers down your spine, that has a way of capturing the essence of life in just a few lines? Carl Sandburg's "They Will Say" is one such poem that has stood the test of time, captivating readers with its powerful imagery and thought-provoking message. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the themes, structure, and language of this classic poem.

Background

First, let's take a look at the background of the poem. "They Will Say" was first published in Sandburg's 1916 collection, "Chicago Poems." The collection is known for its celebration of the city of Chicago, its people, and its struggles. Sandburg was a journalist and a political activist, and his writing often reflected his socialist views. "They Will Say" is a reflective and introspective poem that explores the idea of legacy and how one's life is remembered after they are gone.

Structure

The poem is made up of four stanzas with a total of twenty lines. The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each stanza consisting of five lines. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second, fourth, and fifth lines rhyming with each other. This gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its overall impact.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of vivid and powerful imagery. Sandburg paints a picture of a life that is both beautiful and fleeting, like "a firefly's wing" or "a comet's tail." The use of natural imagery gives the poem a sense of timelessness and universality. The image of a "crown of stars" that the speaker hopes to wear in the afterlife is particularly powerful, evoking the idea of eternal glory and immortality.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the fleeting nature of life, the importance of legacy, and the idea of immortality. The speaker reflects on their life and wonders how they will be remembered after they are gone. Will they be remembered for their achievements, or will their life be forgotten like "a leaf on a stream"? The idea of legacy is further emphasized in the final stanza, where the speaker hopes to leave behind a "crown of stars" that will shine for all eternity.

Language

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its use of language. Sandburg's writing is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, and "They Will Say" is no exception. The language is straightforward and easy to understand, yet it is also rich and evocative. The use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the consistent rhyme scheme gives it a musical quality that is both pleasing to the ear and memorable.

Interpretation

So what does "They Will Say" mean, exactly? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of life and the human desire for immortality. The speaker reflects on their own mortality and wonders what kind of legacy they will leave behind. Will they be remembered as a hero, a visionary, or a forgotten footnote in history? The final stanza suggests that the speaker hopes to leave behind a legacy that will endure for all time, symbolized by the "crown of stars" that they hope to wear in the afterlife.

The poem can also be seen as a commentary on the human condition. We all have a desire to leave our mark on the world, to be remembered long after we are gone. Yet in the grand scheme of things, our lives are fleeting and insignificant. Sandburg reminds us that even though our time on earth may be short, we can still leave behind a legacy that will endure for all time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "They Will Say" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of mortality, legacy, and immortality. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and simple structure, the poem captures the essence of life in just a few lines. Carl Sandburg was a master of his craft, and "They Will Say" is a testament to his skill as a poet. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a thought-provoking read, "They Will Say" is a must-read for anyone who wants to ponder the meaning of life and the human desire for immortality.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that transcends time and space, and has the power to evoke strong feelings in the hearts of its readers. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "They Will Say" by Carl Sandburg. This classic piece of literature is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human life and the inevitability of death.

"They Will Say" is a poem that explores the idea of legacy and how people will remember us after we are gone. The poem begins with the lines, "They will say: 'She was a cat-eyed child'" (Sandburg, 1). These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting impression on the world.

The poem goes on to describe the different ways in which people will remember us. Sandburg writes, "They will say: 'He was a tall man with a red beard'" (2). These lines suggest that people will remember us for our physical appearance, but that is not all that defines us. The poem then goes on to describe the different qualities that people will remember us for, such as our kindness, our intelligence, and our sense of humor.

Sandburg's use of repetition in the poem is particularly effective in emphasizing the different ways in which people will remember us. The phrase "They will say" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of inevitability and finality. The repetition also serves to reinforce the idea that our legacy is not something that we can control, but rather something that is determined by the memories and impressions that we leave behind.

The poem also explores the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. Sandburg writes, "They will say: 'He is dead'" (6). These words are a stark reminder that death is an inevitable part of life, and that our time on this earth is limited. However, the poem also suggests that our legacy can live on after we are gone. Sandburg writes, "They will say: 'He did such and such'" (7). These words suggest that our actions and accomplishments can continue to inspire and influence others long after we are gone.

One of the most striking aspects of "They Will Say" is its simplicity. The poem is written in plain language, with no elaborate metaphors or complex imagery. This simplicity is what makes the poem so powerful. It speaks directly to the reader, conveying a message that is both universal and timeless.

In addition to its simplicity, the poem is also notable for its use of free verse. Sandburg does not adhere to any particular rhyme or meter, allowing the poem to flow freely and naturally. This style of writing is reflective of Sandburg's background as a journalist, where he learned to write in a clear and concise manner.

"They Will Say" is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. It reminds us that our time on this earth is limited, and that we should strive to leave a lasting impression on the world. It also suggests that our legacy is not something that we can control, but rather something that is determined by the memories and impressions that we leave behind.

In conclusion, "They Will Say" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet powerful message resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Carl Sandburg's use of repetition and free verse creates a sense of inevitability and finality, while also conveying a message of hope and inspiration. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.

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