Poem Analysis - Bricklayer Love

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Bricklayer Love" presents a poignant narrative of unrequited love and self-worth. The poem begins with a stark confession of suicidal thoughts, setting a somber and introspective tone. However, as the poem progresses, there is a subtle shift in mood, moving from despair to a sense of acceptance and resilience. The speaker's initial despair gives way to a quiet determination, reflected in the straightforward language and simple, yet powerful, imagery.

Themes of Love and Self-Worth

The poem explores the theme of unrequited love, where the speaker's affection is not reciprocated. The speaker's love for a woman who loves another man is a source of deep pain, as indicated by the line "I thought of killing myself because I am only a bricklayer and you a woman who loves the man who runs a drug store." This line underscores the speaker's feelings of inadequacy and the societal pressures that come with his occupation. The theme of self-worth is intertwined with love, as the speaker's sense of value is closely linked to his perception of his own worthiness of love.

Themes of Resilience and Acceptance

The poem also delves into the theme of resilience. Despite his initial despair, the speaker finds a way to cope and continue with his life. The lines "I don't care like I used to; I lay bricks straighter than I used to and I sing slower handling the trowel afternoons" suggest a form of acceptance and a newfound strength. The speaker's ability to find solace in his work and to sing, albeit slower, indicates a quiet resilience. This theme is further emphasized by the speaker's continued thoughts of the woman, even in the face of his pain, as seen in the line "When the sun is in my eyes and the ladders are shaky and the mortar boards go wrong, I think of you."

Symbolism and Imagery

The bricklayer's work serves as a powerful symbol in the poem. The act of laying bricks, a task that requires precision and strength, can be seen as a metaphor for the speaker's emotional journey. The bricks represent the building blocks of his life, which he continues to lay despite his pain. The "shaky ladders" and "mortar boards that go wrong" can be interpreted as the challenges and setbacks he faces, both in his work and in his personal life. The sun in his eyes could symbolize the harsh realities of life that he must face, even when they are difficult to see clearly. The recurring image of the woman, who is always in his thoughts, underscores the enduring nature of his love and the pain it brings him.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Bricklayer Love" is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, self-worth, and resilience. Through simple yet powerful imagery and a shift in tone from despair to acceptance, Sandburg crafts a narrative that resonates with universal themes of love and personal struggle. The bricklayer's work serves as a symbol of his journey, highlighting his ability to find strength and solace in the face of adversity. The poem ultimately offers a profound insight into the human capacity for endurance and the quiet dignity found in everyday labor.