Poem Analysis - Let Love Go On

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Let Love Go On" is a poignant exploration of love and time, characterized by a tone that oscillates between urgency and resignation. The poem begins with a sense of immediacy, urging the reader to embrace love fully in the present moment. However, it quickly shifts to a more somber mood, acknowledging the inevitable passage of time and the transience of life. The language is straightforward yet evocative, using vivid imagery to convey deep emotions and philosophical reflections.

Themes of Love and Mortality

The central theme of the poem is the enduring power of love in the face of mortality. Sandburg repeatedly emphasizes the need to "let love go on," suggesting that love is a force that can transcend the limitations of time and death. The phrase "let the love of this hour be poured out till all the answers are made, the last dollar spent and the last blood gone" underscores the idea that love should be fully experienced and expressed, even in the face of ultimate sacrifice. This theme is reinforced by the repeated use of the phrase "let love go on," which serves as a mantra, urging the reader to prioritize love above all else.

Another prominent theme is the inexorable passage of time. Sandburg personifies time as a relentless force, using vivid imagery to depict its power. Time is described as running with an "ax and a hammer," sliding down hallways with keys, and winning races against life and clocks. This imagery conveys the idea that time is an unstoppable force that ultimately triumphs over all things, including love. However, the poem also suggests that love can endure despite the passage of time, as seen in the lines "let all the oaths and children and people of this love be clean as a washed stone under a waterfall in the sun." This image of purity and renewal suggests that love can be a source of enduring beauty and strength, even in the face of time's ravages.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and imagery, which contribute to its themes and overall message. One recurring symbol is the passage of time, which is personified in various ways. Time is described as a young man with "ballplayer legs," running a winning race against life and clocks. This image suggests that time is youthful, energetic, and ultimately victorious. The description of time as "tickling with rust and spots" adds a layer of decay and impermanence, reinforcing the idea that time is a force that wears down and ultimately destroys all things.

Another vivid image is that of a "washed stone under a waterfall in the sun." This image suggests purity, renewal, and endurance. The stone, cleaned by the waterfall, represents the enduring power of love, which can be renewed and strengthened even in the face of time's ravages. The sun adds a layer of warmth and vitality, suggesting that love can be a source of light and life, even in the darkest of times.

The poem's form, with its repeated phrases and straightforward language, supports its themes and message. The repetition of "let love go on" serves as a refrain, emphasizing the poem's central theme and creating a sense of urgency and insistence. The straightforward language and vivid imagery make the poem accessible and engaging, while also conveying deep emotional and philosophical reflections.

Conclusion

"Let Love Go On" is a powerful exploration of love and time, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its themes. Sandburg's use of personification and repetition creates a sense of urgency and insistence, while the poem's straightforward language and vivid imagery make it accessible and engaging. The poem's central message is that love is a force that can endure and transcend the limitations of time and mortality. By embracing love fully in the present moment, we can find a source of enduring beauty and strength, even in the face of life's inevitable challenges and losses.