Poem Analysis - Broken Face Gargoyles

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Broken-face Gargoyles" presents a complex blend of melancholy and whimsy. The poem's tone shifts between a somber reflection on limitations and a playful, almost childlike, imagination. The speaker's inability to provide what is desired is juxtaposed with vivid, fantastical images, creating a sense of longing and anticipation. The poem's free verse form supports its dreamlike quality, allowing the speaker's thoughts to flow freely and unpredictably.

Themes of Longing and Anticipation

The poem explores the theme of longing, with the speaker expressing a desire to provide more than they currently can. The repeated phrase "All I can give you now is broken-face gargoyles" emphasizes this limitation, creating a sense of longing for something more substantial. This longing is paired with anticipation, as the speaker looks forward to a time when they will be "footloose" and able to provide more. The speaker's promise to return "in the night" and build birdhouses suggests a future where they can offer more than just "broken-face gargoyles."

Themes of Mortality and Transition

The theme of mortality is subtly present in the poem, with references to funerals and undertakers. The speaker mentions looking for an undertaker who is "humming a lullaby," suggesting a peaceful acceptance of death. This theme is tied to the idea of transition, as the speaker anticipates a future where they will be more free and able to provide for others. The phrase "a thousand years from now" emphasizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

Themes of Imagination and Escapism

The poem also explores the theme of imagination and escapism. The speaker's vivid descriptions of fish swimming in a garden pool, a basket of wine-saps filling a room, and birdhouses for wing-loose wrens and hummers suggest a rich inner world. These images serve as a form of escapism, allowing the speaker to imagine a world where they can provide more than they currently can. The poem's playful language and whimsical imagery contribute to this sense of escapism, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The "broken-face gargoyles" serve as a recurring symbol in the poem, representing the speaker's limitations and the imperfect gifts they can currently offer. The gargoyles are described as "spouting water and looking two ways to the ends of the street," suggesting a watchful, protective presence. This image is juxtaposed with the speaker's desire to provide more substantial gifts, such as fish and apples. The "double gorilla head with two fish mouths and four eagle eyes" is another vivid image that contributes to the poem's whimsical atmosphere. This image, like the gargoyles, serves as a symbol of the speaker's imagination and their desire to provide more than they currently can.

Conclusion

"Broken-face Gargoyles" is a poem that explores the themes of longing, mortality, and imagination through vivid, whimsical imagery. The speaker's desire to provide more than they currently can is juxtaposed with their acceptance of limitations and anticipation of future freedom. The poem's recurring symbols and playful language contribute to its dreamlike atmosphere, inviting readers to explore the speaker's rich inner world. Ultimately, the poem offers a reflection on the human experience of longing, limitation, and the power of imagination.