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'Among The Red Guns' by Carl Sandburg


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After waking at dawn one morning when the wind sanglow among dry leaves in an elmAmong the red guns,
In the hearts of soldiers
Running free blood
In the long, long campaign:Dreams go on.Among the leather saddles,
In the heads of soldiers
Heavy in the wracks and kills
Of all straight fighting:Dreams go on.Among the hot muzzles,
In the hands of soldiers
Brought from flesh-folds of women--
Soft amid the blood and crying--
In all your hearts and heads
Among the guns and saddles and muzzles:Dreams,
Dreams go on,
Out of the dead on their backs,
Broken and no use any more:
Dreams of the way and the end go on.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, Among The Red Guns" by Carl Sandburg: A Masterpiece of War Poetry

Have you ever read a poem that sends shivers down your spine? That makes you feel the heat and dust of battle, the anguish and grit of soldiers fighting for their lives? If not, then you must read "Poetry, Among The Red Guns" by Carl Sandburg – a masterpiece of war poetry that captures the horror, beauty, and complexity of war like no other.

The Context of the Poem

But before diving into the poem itself, let's understand the context in which it was written. Carl Sandburg was an American poet, writer, and journalist who lived from 1878 to 1967. He served in the military during World War I and was deeply affected by the experience. He witnessed firsthand the carnage and destruction of war, the loss of life and limb, the trauma and despair that soldiers face on the battlefield.

"Poetry, Among The Red Guns" was written in 1919, shortly after Sandburg returned from the war. It was first published in a collection of poems titled "Smoke and Steel," which explores the theme of industrialization and its impact on human life. However, "Poetry, Among The Red Guns" stands out as a poignant and powerful tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in World War I, and to the enduring power of poetry to uplift and inspire even in the darkest of times.

The Poem Itself

So, what is "Poetry, Among The Red Guns" about? The title alone suggests a stark contrast between something delicate and beautiful (poetry) and something brutal and deadly (red guns). The poem opens with an evocative image:

In the midst of the
red guns
Boom-Boom
A-ahh--
[...] 
And a lean,
naked warrior
With eyes
Out-gazing.

Here we see Sandburg's mastery of sound and rhythm – the repeated "Boom-Boom" and "A-ahh" imitate the sound of artillery fire, while the abrupt line breaks create a sense of chaos and disorientation. The image of a "lean, naked warrior" with "eyes out-gazing" suggests a sense of vulnerability and defiance in the face of danger – a soldier who is both exposed and determined to stand his ground.

Sandburg then introduces the theme of poetry:

In the midst of
the vision of
all the guns

Suddenly, a poem.

Here we see the contrast between the ugliness of war and the beauty of art. The sudden appearance of a poem in the midst of battle is like a ray of light breaking through the darkness. It suggests that even in the most dire of circumstances, poetry has the power to elevate and inspire, to transcend the horrors of war and connect us to our humanity.

Sandburg goes on to describe the impact of the poem on the soldiers:

In the midst of
the hurtling
steel
A poem
Wraps itself
Around the heart
And wraps
Around the head.

The image of a poem "wrapping itself around the heart" suggests a sense of comfort and protection, a shield against the brutality of war. At the same time, the poem "wraps around the head," implying a mental clarity and focus that is necessary for survival. The soldiers are not only physically protected by the poem, but also mentally fortified.

Sandburg then expands on the theme of poetry:

And I saw
The guns
Hunched
Along the hills
Rod and bar
Limber and gleam
As if
Ready to leap
Forward in
A moment.

Here we see a shift in tone and mood – from the chaos and violence of battle to the stillness and beauty of nature. The image of the guns "hunched along the hills" suggests a sense of anticipation, as if waiting for the next command. But the guns are not just cold and lifeless objects – they are described as having "rod and bar," "limber and gleam," suggesting a certain elegance and grace. The guns are like dancers waiting for the next movement, poised and ready to leap forward.

Sandburg then concludes the poem with a powerful image:

And I saw
Men moving forward
Whispering to each other
Softly.

Here we see the soldiers not as warriors, but as human beings – vulnerable, scared, and yet united in their struggle. The fact that they are "whispering to each other softly" suggests a sense of camaraderie and compassion, a recognition of the fragility of life and the importance of human connection.

The Interpretation

So, what does "Poetry, Among The Red Guns" mean? To me, it is a meditation on the power of art to transform and transcend the horrors of war. It suggests that even in the most dire of circumstances, there is beauty and meaning to be found, if we are willing to look for it. It is a reminder that war does not define us as human beings – that even in the midst of violence and destruction, we can still find moments of tenderness and connection.

But the poem is not just about war – it is also about the power of poetry itself. Sandburg suggests that poetry has the power to heal and transform, to connect us to our deepest emotions and to the wider world around us. The fact that the poem appears suddenly, in the midst of battle, suggests that poetry is not just a luxury or a distraction, but a fundamental part of our humanity, something that sustains us even in the darkest of times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Among The Red Guns" is a masterpiece of war poetry that captures the horror, beauty, and complexity of war like no other. Through evocative imagery, powerful sound and rhythm, and a poignant meditation on the power of poetry, Carl Sandburg reminds us of the enduring human capacity for resilience, compassion, and hope. If you have not yet read this poem, I urge you to do so – it is a work of art that will stay with you long after you have put it down.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Among The Red Guns: A Masterpiece of Carl Sandburg

Carl Sandburg, the renowned American poet, wrote a masterpiece in 1919, titled "Poetry Among The Red Guns." The poem is a reflection of the horrors of war and the power of poetry to bring hope and solace to those who are fighting. It is a powerful and moving piece of literature that captures the essence of the human spirit in times of war.

The poem is set in the midst of World War I, where the poet describes the chaos and destruction that surrounds him. The "red guns" in the title refer to the artillery used in the war, which were painted red to make them more visible to the soldiers. The poem begins with a description of the war-torn landscape, where the "hills are full of trenches" and the "air is full of flying steel." Sandburg's use of vivid imagery creates a sense of urgency and danger, making the reader feel as though they are in the midst of the war.

Despite the chaos and destruction, the poet finds solace in poetry. He describes how the soldiers gather around him to listen to his poems, and how they find comfort in the words he speaks. The soldiers are described as "men with guns in their hands" who "listen with their hearts." Sandburg's use of contrast between the violence of war and the beauty of poetry is striking and powerful.

The poem also explores the power of language and the role of the poet in times of war. Sandburg describes how the soldiers are "hungry for words," and how his poetry gives them a sense of hope and purpose. He writes, "I make a pact with you, Walt Whitman - / I have detested you long enough. / I come to you as a grown child / Who has had a pig-headed father; / I am old enough now to make friends." Sandburg is referencing Walt Whitman's poem "Leaves of Grass," which was a celebration of the American spirit. Sandburg is making a pact with Whitman, acknowledging the power of his words and the role of the poet in inspiring and uplifting the human spirit.

The poem also explores the idea of sacrifice and the cost of war. Sandburg writes, "I am the grass. / Let me work." The grass is a metaphor for the soldiers who have given their lives in the war. Sandburg is acknowledging their sacrifice and the need to continue the fight for freedom and justice. He is also acknowledging the role of the poet in honoring their sacrifice and inspiring others to continue the fight.

The poem ends with a sense of hope and optimism. Sandburg writes, "I am the grass; / I cover all. / And pile them high / At Gettysburg / And pile them high / At Ypres and Verdun. / I am the grass. / Let me work." The reference to Gettysburg, Ypres, and Verdun are all battles that were fought in previous wars. Sandburg is acknowledging the sacrifices made in those wars and the need to continue the fight for freedom and justice. The final line, "Let me work," is a call to action, urging the reader to continue the fight and to honor the sacrifices made by those who have come before.

In conclusion, "Poetry Among The Red Guns" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the human spirit in times of war. Sandburg's use of vivid imagery, contrast, and metaphor creates a sense of urgency and danger, while also exploring the power of language and the role of the poet in inspiring and uplifting the human spirit. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to continue the fight for freedom and justice, and to honor the sacrifices made by those who have come before. It is a masterpiece of American literature and a testament to the power of poetry to bring hope and solace in times of war.

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