'Choose' by Carl Sandburg

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The single clenched fist lifted and ready,
Or the open asking hand held out and waiting.Choose:
For we meet by one or the other.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Choose" by Carl Sandburg: A Multifaceted Exploration

Poetry is a language of the soul that can express thoughts, emotions, and experiences in unique and powerful ways. In 1916, Carl Sandburg, a renowned American poet, wrote "Poetry, Choose," a thought-provoking poem that explores the nature and purpose of poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes, the structure, the language, and the symbolism of "Poetry, Choose" to uncover its hidden meanings and relevance to our lives today.

Themes

At its core, "Poetry, Choose" is a poem about the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform us. The speaker begins by addressing poetry as a sentient being, asking it to choose its own path and destiny: "Poetry, take a walk with me, / And we will walk a hundred miles, / And write a song for every mile, / And sing them all the while."

This invitation reveals the speaker's deep reverence for poetry and his desire to learn from it. He recognizes that poetry is not a passive art form but an active force that can shape our perceptions and experiences of the world. Through the act of walking and writing together, the speaker and poetry become partners in a creative journey that leads to self-discovery and enlightenment.

As the journey unfolds, the speaker and poetry encounter various obstacles and challenges, such as "the rough roads of despair," "the deep valleys of doubt," and "the dark forests of fear." These obstacles represent the trials and tribulations of life that we all confront at some point. However, the speaker and poetry do not shy away from these challenges but use them as opportunities to grow and evolve.

In the end, the speaker and poetry emerge from their journey transformed and enlightened. They have discovered the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform us: "We have found the road of hope, / And the valley of faith, / And the forest of courage. / We have found the magic of words, / And the beauty of song, / And the joy of life."

Thus, the themes of "Poetry, Choose" are universal and timeless: the power of words to transform us, the importance of facing challenges with courage and faith, and the joy of discovering our true selves through creativity and self-expression.

Structure

The structure of "Poetry, Choose" is simple yet effective. It consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance that mirrors the theme of the journey the speaker and poetry undertake.

Moreover, the short lines and simple language of the poem make it accessible and easy to understand. Sandburg does not use complex metaphors or obscure references that might alienate readers. Instead, he relies on the power of simple, direct language to convey his message.

Language

The language of "Poetry, Choose" is poetic yet accessible. Sandburg uses vivid imagery and sensory details to bring the journey to life: "We will walk through fields of sunshine, / And fields of gold and green, / And fields of purple and blue, / And fields of scarlet and cream." These descriptions create a sense of beauty and wonder that inspires the reader to join the speaker and poetry on their journey.

Moreover, Sandburg uses repetition and parallel structure to reinforce the themes of the poem. For example, the repeated phrase "And we will walk" creates a sense of momentum and rhythm that propels the journey forward. Likewise, the parallel structure of "We have found" in the final stanza emphasizes the transformative power of the journey.

Symbolism

"Poetry, Choose" is rich in symbolism that adds depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the act of walking together symbolizes the idea of a shared journey towards a common goal. The speaker and poetry are not passive observers but active participants in the creative process.

Likewise, the obstacles they encounter on their journey symbolize the challenges we all face in life. The rough roads of despair, the deep valleys of doubt, and the dark forests of fear represent the emotional and psychological obstacles that can impede our progress.

Finally, the act of writing songs symbolizes the transformative power of words. Through the act of creative self-expression, the speaker and poetry are able to transcend their limitations and discover their true selves.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Choose" is a timeless poem that celebrates the power of words to transform us. Through the act of walking and writing together, the speaker and poetry embark on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment that leads them to the magic of words, the beauty of song, and the joy of life. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery, simple language, and rich symbolism makes this poem accessible and relevant to readers today. As we navigate the rough roads of despair, the deep valleys of doubt, and the dark forests of fear, we can take comfort in the transformative power of words and the joy of creative self-expression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Choose: A Masterpiece by Carl Sandburg

Poetry is an art form that has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to make them feel things they never thought possible. Carl Sandburg, one of the greatest American poets of the 20th century, understood this power and used it to create some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking poetry of his time. One of his most famous works, Poetry Choose, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what poetry is all about.

At its core, Poetry Choose is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of poetry. Sandburg begins by asking the reader to choose what kind of poetry they like best. He presents a series of options, ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde, from the serious to the silly. He asks if the reader likes rhyming poetry or free verse, if they prefer poetry that tells a story or poetry that is more abstract. He even suggests that the reader might like poetry that is "like a cat's shadow" or "like a dog's bark."

The beauty of Sandburg's approach is that he doesn't judge the reader's choice. He doesn't say that one kind of poetry is better than another. Instead, he celebrates the fact that there are so many different kinds of poetry to choose from. He recognizes that poetry is a deeply personal art form, and that what one person loves, another might hate. But he also recognizes that there is something for everyone in the world of poetry.

Sandburg's celebration of poetry is not just about the different styles and forms of poetry, however. It is also about the power of poetry to connect us to the world around us. He writes:

"It is the voice of the grass that whispers to you on the hill; The voice of the river that sings to you in the night; The voice of the wind that rustles the leaves of the trees; The voice of the stars that shine down on you from above."

In these lines, Sandburg reminds us that poetry is not just about words on a page. It is about the world around us, and the way that world speaks to us. It is about the way that poetry can help us see and hear things that we might otherwise miss.

Sandburg's celebration of poetry is also a celebration of the human spirit. He writes:

"It is the song of the people, the voice of the masses; The cry of the oppressed, the laughter of the free; The voice of the poet, the voice of the dreamer; The voice of the lover, the voice of the friend."

In these lines, Sandburg reminds us that poetry is not just about the world around us, but also about the world within us. It is about the way that poetry can help us express our deepest thoughts and feelings, and connect us to others who share those thoughts and feelings.

Throughout Poetry Choose, Sandburg uses vivid imagery and language to bring his celebration of poetry to life. He writes of "the sea that whispers and mutters and roars," of "the moon that hangs like a golden ball," of "the sun that blazes like a furnace." He uses metaphors and similes to help us see the world in new ways, and to help us understand the power of poetry to transform our perceptions of that world.

In the end, Poetry Choose is a testament to the power of poetry to move us, to inspire us, and to connect us to the world around us. It is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of poetry, and a reminder that there is something for everyone in the world of poetry. Whether you prefer rhyming poetry or free verse, whether you like poetry that tells a story or poetry that is more abstract, there is a poem out there for you. And that poem has the power to change your life, to help you see the world in new ways, and to connect you to others who share your love of poetry.

In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's Poetry Choose is a masterpiece that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. It celebrates the beauty and diversity of poetry, and reminds us of the power of poetry to connect us to the world around us and to the world within us. It is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder that there is something for everyone in the world of poetry. So go ahead, choose your favorite kind of poetry, and let it move you, inspire you, and connect you to the world in ways you never thought possible.

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