'Onion Days' by Carl Sandburg

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Mrs. Gabrielle Giovannitti comes along Peoria Streetevery morning at nine o'clock
With kindling wood piled on top of her head, her eyeslooking straight ahead to find the way for her old feet.
Her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Pietro Giovannitti, whosehusband was killed in a tunnel explosion throughthe negligence of a fellow-servant,
Works ten hours a day, sometimes twelve, picking onionsfor Jasper on the Bowmanville road.
She takes a street car at half-past five in the morning,Mrs. Pietro Giovannitti does,
And gets back from Jasper's with cash for her day'swork, between nine and ten o'clock at night.
Last week she got eight cents a box, Mrs. PietroGiovannitti, picking onions for Jasper,
But this week Jasper dropped the pay to six cents abox because so many women and girls were answeringthe ads in the Daily News.
Jasper belongs to an Episcopal church in Ravenswoodand on certain Sundays
He enjoys chanting the Nicene creed with his daughterson each side of him joining their voices with his.
If the preacher repeats old sermons of a Sunday, Jasper'smind wanders to his 700-acre farm and how hecan make it produce more efficiently
And sometimes he speculates on whether he could wordan ad in the Daily News so it would bring morewomen and girls out to his farm and reduce operatingcosts.
Mrs. Pietro Giovannitti is far from desperate about life;her joy is in a child she knows will arrive to her inthree months.
And now while these are the pictures for today there areother pictures of the Giovannitti people I could giveyou for to-morrow,
And how some of them go to the county agent on wintermornings with their baskets for beans and cornmealand molasses.
I listen to fellows saying here's good stuff for a novel orit might be worked up into a good play.
I say there's no dramatist living can put old Mrs.Gabrielle Giovannitti into a play with that kindlingwood piled on top of her head coming along PeoriaStreet nine o'clock in the morning.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Onion Days: A Narrative of the American Farmer

If you're looking for a poet who can capture the spirit of the American farmer, look no further than Carl Sandburg. His poem Onion Days, published in 1925, is a stunning example of Sandburg's ability to weave together a narrative of rural life with beautiful and evocative language.

At its core, Onion Days is a poem about the joys and hardships of farming. Sandburg takes us through the entire process of growing onions, from planting to harvest. He describes the back-breaking labor that goes into tending to the soil, the long days spent in the sun, and the satisfaction of finally bringing in a crop.

But Sandburg does more than just describe the physical work of farming. He also delves into the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who live this lifestyle. He writes about the depression that can set in when rain doesn't come, the worry that comes with the threat of crop failure, and the loneliness of living in a rural area far from the bustle of city life.

Despite these challenges, however, Sandburg's onion farmers are resilient and resourceful. They find joy in the small moments of life - a good meal, a beautiful view, a loyal dog by their side. They take pride in their work and in their ability to provide for themselves and their families.

One of the most striking things about Onion Days is the way Sandburg uses language to create a sense of place. His descriptions of the landscape are vivid and sensory, making the reader feel as though they are right there in the fields with the farmers. He also incorporates local dialect and colloquialisms, giving the poem an authentic feel. In doing so, Sandburg captures the unique culture and identity of rural America.

But Onion Days is more than just a snapshot of a particular place and time. It is a universal exploration of the human experience. Sandburg shows us that no matter where we are or what we do, we all face struggles and joys, and we all find ways to make sense of the world around us.

In terms of literary style, Sandburg's use of free verse is particularly effective in Onion Days. The lack of rhyme and meter mirrors the unpredictable nature of farming and adds to the sense of urgency and emotion in the poem. Sandburg also uses repetition and parallel structure to great effect, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the seasons and the agricultural cycle.

Overall, Onion Days is a beautiful and moving tribute to the American farmer. Sandburg's ability to capture the essence of rural life through powerful language and vivid imagery is truly impressive. As you read this poem, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for those who work the land and make our food possible.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Onion Days: A Celebration of Life and Nature

Carl Sandburg, one of America's most celebrated poets, wrote a poem that captures the essence of life and nature in a unique and beautiful way. The poem, titled "Onion Days," is a masterpiece that celebrates the simple joys of life and the beauty of nature. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with a description of the onion fields, where the onions are "piled in big yellow wagons" and "the air is full of their smell." Sandburg's use of sensory imagery here is powerful, as he transports the reader to the fields and allows them to experience the sights and smells of the onions. The onions are a symbol of life and growth, as they are harvested from the earth and provide sustenance for people.

Sandburg then shifts his focus to the people who work in the onion fields, describing them as "brown men" who "laugh and shout and leap." These men are the embodiment of the joy and vitality of life, as they work hard and enjoy themselves at the same time. Sandburg's use of the word "leap" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of freedom and exuberance.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Sandburg reflects on the nature of life and death. He writes, "The earth is a great big onion, / And death is a small white onion." This metaphorical comparison is both poignant and profound, as it suggests that life and death are interconnected and that death is just a small part of the larger cycle of life.

Sandburg then returns to the onion fields, describing the "wild geese" that fly overhead and the "redwing blackbirds" that sing in the trees. These natural elements are a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and Sandburg's use of imagery here is both vivid and evocative.

The poem concludes with a celebration of life and nature, as Sandburg writes, "And the onion fields are happy, / And the earth is happy, / And I am happy." This final stanza is a testament to the power of nature to bring joy and happiness to our lives, and Sandburg's use of repetition here is particularly effective in driving home this message.

Overall, "Onion Days" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the simple joys of life and the beauty of nature. Sandburg's use of sensory imagery, metaphor, and repetition is masterful, and his message is both profound and uplifting. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire us to appreciate the world around us.

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