Poem Analysis - Baltic Fog Notes

Overall Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Baltic Fog Notes" presents a vivid and introspective journey through the natural world, particularly the sea and its surrounding landscapes. The poem begins with a sense of disorientation and vulnerability, shifting to a more contemplative and longing mood as it progresses. The tone is reflective and somewhat melancholic, with a deep appreciation for the natural elements and a yearning for connection. The poem's free verse form supports its meditative and wandering nature, allowing the reader to experience the speaker's thoughts and emotions as they unfold.

Themes of Isolation and Longing

The poem explores the theme of isolation through the speaker's experiences in the fog and mist of the North Atlantic. The opening lines describe a sense of being overwhelmed and helpless, "a plaything, a rat’s neck in the teeth of a scuffling mastiff," highlighting the speaker's vulnerability in the face of nature's power. This isolation is contrasted with a longing for human connection, as seen in the lines "I learned how hungry I was for streets and people." The speaker's desire for streets and people suggests a deep-seated need for community and belonging, which is amplified by the stark contrast of the natural world.

Themes of Mortality and Burial

The theme of mortality is prominent in the poem, particularly in the speaker's repeated wishes to be buried in different natural settings. The speaker's desire to be buried in a mountain graveyard in Norway, in the North Atlantic, or in an Illinois cornfield suggests a longing for a final resting place that is connected to the natural world. Each burial wish is accompanied by vivid imagery of the surrounding environment, such as "three tongues of water sing around it with snow from the mountains" in Norway or "a fog there from Iceland will be a murmur in gray over me" in the North Atlantic. These images emphasize the speaker's connection to nature and their desire for a peaceful, natural end.

Themes of Nature and Identity

The poem also explores the theme of nature and identity, as the speaker reflects on their desire to be like water. The lines "I would rather be water than anything else" suggest a deep connection to the natural world and a longing to be part of it. The speaker's vivid descriptions of the sea, fjords, and icebergs highlight their appreciation for the beauty and power of nature. The speaker's wish to be buried in natural settings further emphasizes their desire to be part of the natural world, even in death. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's use of natural imagery throughout the poem, which serves to connect them to the world around them.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with recurring symbols and vivid imagery, particularly related to water and natural landscapes. The fog and mist of the North Atlantic serve as a recurring symbol of isolation and disorientation, as seen in the opening lines. The speaker's desire to be like water and their vivid descriptions of natural landscapes, such as the "dream pools of fjords in Norway" and the "scarf of dancing water on the rocks," highlight their deep connection to the natural world. The speaker's repeated wishes to be buried in natural settings further emphasize their desire for a final resting place that is connected to nature. The use of natural imagery throughout the poem serves to reinforce the speaker's connection to the world around them and their longing for a peaceful, natural end.

Conclusion

"Baltic Fog Notes" is a deeply reflective and introspective poem that explores themes of isolation, mortality, and nature. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, Sandburg creates a powerful sense of the speaker's connection to the natural world and their longing for human connection. The poem's free verse form supports its meditative and wandering nature, allowing the reader to experience the speaker's thoughts and emotions as they unfold. Ultimately, the poem offers a profound reflection on the human experience and our connection to the natural world, inviting the reader to consider their own place in the world and their longing for belonging.