Poem Analysis - Pencils

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Pencils" is a contemplative and somewhat mystical poem that explores the interplay between the natural world and human creativity. The tone shifts from a sense of wonder and curiosity to a more introspective and philosophical mood. The poem begins with a sense of mystery and ends with a call to continued exploration, suggesting a cyclical nature of human experience and discovery. The use of simple, yet evocative language creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the imagery.

Themes: Creativity and the Natural World

The poem delves into the theme of creativity, symbolized by the pencils that tell stories and capture the essence of the wind. The pencils represent the tools of human expression, capable of recording and interpreting the natural world. The wind, in this context, can be seen as a metaphor for the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of life. The pencils' ability to "tell where the wind comes from" and "where the wind goes" suggests a deep connection between human creativity and the natural environment. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of stars, sea horses, and shooting stars, all of which are elements of the natural world that inspire and guide human creativity.

Themes: The Mysteries of Life and Death

Another prominent theme is the mystery of life and death, as suggested by the "cabalistic to-morrows" and "cryptic babies calling life a strong and a lovely thing." The phrase "cabalistic to-morrows" implies a sense of the unknown and the mysterious, while the "cryptic babies" represent the potential and the unknown future. The speaker's admission that they have "seen neither these nor the stars high over come to a stop" underscores the theme of mortality and the finite nature of human experience. The poem suggests that life is a journey of discovery, filled with wonders that are both beautiful and enigmatic.

Themes: The Search for Meaning

The final theme is the search for meaning and the continuous quest for understanding. The poem ends with the shooting stars calling out, "Look for us again," which can be interpreted as a call to continued exploration and discovery. This theme is reinforced by the speaker's dizziness from counting the shooting stars, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of the quest for knowledge. The search for meaning is a lifelong journey, filled with both wonder and uncertainty, but ultimately rewarding and necessary.

Symbols and Imagery

The pencils serve as a central symbol, representing the tools of human expression and the ability to capture and interpret the natural world. The wind, stars, sea horses, and shooting stars are all vivid images that contribute to the poem's mystical and contemplative mood. The wind symbolizes the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of life, while the stars and shooting stars represent the mysteries and wonders of the universe. The sea horses running with the clocks of the moon add a surreal and dreamlike quality to the poem, suggesting a deep connection between the natural world and human imagination. The shooting stars, in particular, are a powerful image of fleeting beauty and the transient nature of life, reinforcing the theme of mortality and the search for meaning.

Conclusion

"Pencils" by Carl Sandburg is a rich and evocative poem that explores the interplay between human creativity and the natural world. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem delves into themes of creativity, the mysteries of life and death, and the search for meaning. The pencils, wind, stars, and shooting stars all contribute to a sense of wonder and contemplation, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the poem's imagery. Ultimately, the poem suggests that life is a journey of discovery, filled with both beauty and mystery, and that the search for meaning is a continuous and rewarding quest.