Poem Analysis - Psalm Of Those Who Go Forth Before Daylight

An Overview of the Poem

Carl Sandburg's "Psalm Of Those Who Go Forth Before Daylight" presents a stark and contemplative portrait of working-class individuals who toil in the early hours of the morning. The poem's tone is reflective and somewhat somber, capturing the quiet dignity of laborers who perform their duties with a sense of purpose and resilience. There is a shift in mood as the poem moves from the careful, deliberate actions of the policeman and teamster to the solitary, almost meditative work of the milkman, and finally to the grimy, physically demanding labor of the rolling-mill and sheet-steel workers. The poem's form, with its short, declarative lines, mirrors the straightforward, unadorned nature of the work being described.

Themes of Labor and Dignity

The poem explores the theme of labor and the dignity inherent in hard work. Sandburg highlights the meticulous care with which the policeman and teamster tend to their tools of trade, their feet and hands, emphasizing the respect they have for their own labor. The milkman's solitary work, performed while the city sleeps, underscores the quiet, unheralded nature of his efforts. The rolling-mill and sheet-steel workers, described as brothers of cinders, embody the physical toll of their labor, yet they endure with a stoic determination. The phrase "brothers of cinders" suggests a shared bond and solidarity among these workers, despite the harsh conditions they face.

The Theme of Isolation

Isolation is another prominent theme in the poem. The milkman, in particular, is depicted as working alone, with no one to speak to as he delivers his bottles. This solitude is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "he never argues," suggesting a quiet acceptance of his lonely task. The rolling-mill and sheet-steel workers, though they work together, are described in a way that highlights their individual struggles, such as emptying cinders from their shoes and fixing burnt holes in their trousers. This isolation underscores the silent, often unnoticed, nature of their labor.

Symbols of Labor and Endurance

The poem is rich with symbols of labor and endurance. The policeman's and teamster's careful attention to their feet and hands symbolizes the respect and care they have for the tools of their trade. The milkman's bottles, stairways, and horses represent the repetitive, unglamorous nature of his work. The cinders, smut, and burnt holes in the trousers of the rolling-mill and sheet-steel workers are vivid images of the physical demands and dangers of their jobs. These symbols collectively convey the theme of endurance and the quiet dignity of labor. The cinders, in particular, can be seen as a metaphor for the hardships and struggles that these workers face, yet they endure and continue their labor with a sense of purpose.

Conclusion

In "Psalm Of Those Who Go Forth Before Daylight," Carl Sandburg offers a poignant tribute to the working class, highlighting their labor, dignity, and isolation. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, the poem underscores the quiet, unheralded nature of their efforts and the physical toll of their work. The symbols of labor and endurance, such as the cinders and the careful attention to tools of trade, convey a deep respect for the resilience and dignity of these workers. The poem serves as a reminder of the often-unseen contributions of the working class and the enduring spirit that sustains them.