'Salvage' by Carl Sandburg

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Guns on the battle lines have pounded now a yearbetween Brussels and Paris.
And, William Morris, when I read your old chapter onthe great arches and naves and little whimsicalcorners of the Churches of Northern France--Brr-rr!
I'm glad you're a dead man, William Morris, I'm gladyou're down in the damp and mouldy, only a memoryinstead of a living man--I'm glad you're gone.
You never lied to us, William Morris, you loved theshape of those stones piled and carved for you todream over and wonder because workmen got joyof life into them,
Workmen in aprons singing while they hammered, andpraying, and putting their songs and prayers intothe walls and roofs, the bastions and cornerstonesand gargoyles--all their children and kisses ofwomen and wheat and roses growing.
I say, William Morris, I'm glad you're gone, I'm gladyou're a dead man.
Guns on the battle lines have pounded a year now betweenBrussels and Paris.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Salvage: A Literary Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

Have you ever come across a poem that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, leaving you with a sense of awe and wonderment? Salvage, a poem by Carl Sandburg, is one such literary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. If you are a fan of poetry, the kind that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you pondering long after you have read it, then Salvage is a must-read.

At first glance, Salvage may seem like a simple poem, with its short lines and straightforward language. However, upon closer inspection, one realizes that this poem is a work of art that captures the essence of life, death, and the complexities of the human experience.

The Poem

Salvage is a short poem that consists of only eight lines, each line containing no more than six words. Despite its brevity, the poem manages to pack a punch of emotions that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here is the poem in its entirety:

GIVE me hunger,
O you gods that sit and give
The world its orders.
Give me hunger, pain and want,
Shut me out with shame and failure
From your doors of gold and fame,
Give me your shabbiest, weariest hunger!

Analysis

The poem starts with a simple request, "Give me hunger," which can be interpreted in multiple ways. Hunger, in this context, could refer to a desire for knowledge, success, or even love. The speaker is asking the gods to give them something to strive for, to push them to be better. The use of the word "give" suggests that the speaker is not content with what they have and is seeking something more.

Sandburg then goes on to address the gods directly, "O you gods that sit and give the world its orders." This line adds a layer of complexity to the poem. The gods in this context could refer to the traditional deities of various religions, or they could be a metaphor for society's expectations and norms. The use of the word "orders" suggests that the speaker feels constrained by the rules and regulations of the world.

The next two lines, "Give me hunger, pain and want," are a continuation of the speaker's request. Hunger and want are reiterated, but the inclusion of pain suggests that the speaker is willing to endure hardship to achieve their desires. The word "give" is repeated, emphasizing the speaker's desperation for something more.

Sandburg then adds a twist to the poem with the line, "Shut me out with shame and failure from your doors of gold and fame." This line suggests that the speaker is not interested in material wealth or fame. Instead, they are seeking something more meaningful, something that cannot be bought or sold.

The final two lines, "Give me your shabbiest, weariest hunger!" are a powerful conclusion to the poem. Here, the speaker is asking for the most basic, primal form of hunger. They are willing to endure the most challenging of situations to achieve their goals. The use of the words "shabbiest" and "weariest" suggests that the speaker is not afraid of hardship and is willing to fight for what they want.

Interpretation

Salvage, like many of Sandburg's works, is a poem that is open to interpretation. The poem can be read as a commentary on the human condition, a plea for something more significant than material wealth and fame. The speaker is asking for the gods to give them something to strive for, to challenge them, and to push them to be better.

The gods in the poem could be interpreted as a metaphor for society's expectations and norms. The speaker is asking to be freed from the constraints of the world, to be given something more meaningful than what society values.

The poem can also be read as a commentary on the human experience. Hunger, pain, and want are universal experiences that everyone encounters at some point in their lives. The speaker is asking for these experiences, not because they enjoy suffering, but because they know that hardship is necessary for growth and self-improvement.

Conclusion

Salvage is a masterpiece of modern poetry that has stood the test of time. Carl Sandburg's use of simple language and short lines belies the complexity of the poem's themes. The poem is a commentary on the human condition, a plea for something more significant than material wealth and fame. The poem is also a commentary on the human experience, a reminder that hardship is necessary for growth and self-improvement.

If you are a fan of poetry, Salvage is a must-read. The poem is a testament to Sandburg's mastery of the form and his ability to convey complex ideas in simple language. Salvage is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader, one that will keep them pondering long after the last line has been read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Salvage: A Masterpiece of Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of American life. His poem "Poetry Salvage" is a masterpiece that reflects his love for the art of poetry and his belief in its power to transform the world.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene of a junkyard filled with discarded objects. The speaker then notices a pile of old books and papers, which he describes as "a heap of broken images." This phrase is a reference to T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," which is considered one of the most important poems of the 20th century. Sandburg's use of this phrase suggests that the discarded books and papers are not just meaningless objects but are instead fragments of something greater.

The speaker then begins to sort through the pile of books and papers, searching for something of value. He finds a book of poetry and begins to read it. As he reads, he becomes lost in the beauty of the words and the images they create. He describes the experience as "a sudden lift of the heart," suggesting that poetry has the power to uplift and inspire.

Sandburg's use of imagery in this poem is particularly striking. He describes the poems as "little boats of gold," suggesting that they are precious and valuable. He also describes the words as "sparks," suggesting that they have the power to ignite something within the reader.

As the speaker continues to read, he becomes aware of the world around him. He notices the beauty of nature and the people around him. He describes the sky as "a blue tent," suggesting that the world is a place of wonder and possibility.

Sandburg's use of language in this poem is also noteworthy. He uses simple, everyday language to describe complex ideas. For example, he describes the poems as "little boats of gold," a simple and straightforward image that conveys the idea of something precious and valuable.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the power of poetry. He suggests that poetry has the power to transform the world, to make it a better place. He writes, "Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air." This image suggests that poetry is a way for us to transcend our limitations and to reach for something greater.

Overall, "Poetry Salvage" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of Carl Sandburg's love for poetry. It is a testament to the power of words and the transformative power of art. Sandburg's use of imagery and language is masterful, and his message is one that resonates with readers today. This poem is a true masterpiece and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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