Poem Analysis - Cripple

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem "Cripple" presents a stark contrast between the harsh realities of life and the serene beauty of nature. The poem begins with a somber and empathetic tone, describing the plight of a person suffering from tuberculosis in a slum. This initial mood shifts to a more reflective and wistful tone as the speaker expresses a desire to be a sunflower in a peaceful garden. The poem's form, a single stanza, supports its narrative flow, moving from a grim scene to a peaceful vision.

Themes of Mortality and Longing

The poem explores several themes, with mortality being the most prominent. The description of the cripple "gasping slowly his last days with the white plague" underscores the inevitability of death. The "white plague" refers to tuberculosis, a disease that was prevalent and often fatal in Sandburg's time. The speaker's empathy for the cripple highlights the theme of longing for a better life. The speaker's wish to be a sunflower in a garden represents a longing for simplicity, beauty, and tranquility, contrasting sharply with the suffering depicted at the beginning.

Nature as a Symbol of Escape

The sunflower serves as a powerful symbol of escape and desire. The sunflower is described as "lifting a golden-brown face to the summer," which evokes images of warmth, growth, and vitality. This is in stark contrast to the "hollow eyes" and "wasted hands" of the cripple. The garden setting, with its "poppies and ranking hollyhocks," represents a place of peace and natural beauty, far removed from the "dark and dust of a house down in a slum." The stars, described as "clear silent processionals," add a sense of wonder and timelessness, further emphasizing the contrast between the harsh reality and the idyllic vision.

Reflection on Human Suffering and Desire

The poem invites readers to reflect on the human condition, particularly the suffering and longing that many experience. The speaker's empathy for the cripple and the vivid contrast between the slum and the garden suggest a deep longing for a better life. The poem's final lines, where the speaker imagines watching the stars, evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility that stands in stark contrast to the initial scene of suffering. This contrast highlights the universal human desire for beauty, peace, and escape from hardship. The poem's message is one of empathy and reflection, encouraging readers to consider the plight of others and the universal longing for a better life.