Poem Analysis - Put Off The Wedding Five Times And Nobody Comes To It

Overall Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Put Off The Wedding Five Times And Nobody Comes To It presents a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, exploring the complexities of love, communication, and the passage of time. The speaker grapples with the idea of offering wisdom or apothegms to a loved one, ultimately deciding that words may not suffice. The poem shifts from a contemplative mood to a more resigned and introspective one, as the speaker recalls various proverbs and personal memories.

Themes of Love and Communication

The poem delves deeply into the theme of love, particularly the challenges of expressing and understanding it. The speaker's struggle to find the right words or apothegms to convey his feelings highlights the difficulty of communication in relationships. The repeated use of the phrase I might have said emphasizes the speaker's internal debate and the frustration of finding the right words. The speaker's consideration of various proverbs, such as There is no love but service and Love stands against fire and flood and much bitterness, shows the complexity and potential for misunderstanding in matters of the heart.

Themes of Time and Decision-Making

Another prominent theme is the passage of time and the consequences of indecision. The title itself, Put Off The Wedding Five Times And Nobody Comes To It, suggests a delay that leads to a missed opportunity. This theme is further explored through the speaker's recollection of a Russian peasant's warning about riding too good a horse and not taking the straight road to town. This proverb implies that procrastination or overindulgence can lead one astray, reinforcing the idea that time waits for no one and decisions must be made promptly.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and symbols that contribute to its overall message. The image of the heart of a woman of thirty being like the red ball of the sun seen through a mist evokes a sense of obscured beauty and mystery. This imagery suggests that true understanding or perception can be clouded, much like the speaker's struggle to communicate his feelings. The witchery in the eyes of a girl at a barn dance adds a touch of enchantment and longing, highlighting the speaker's nostalgia and the fleeting nature of moments. The repeated mention of silence as a form of language, despair, and contempt underscores the theme of communication breakdown and the power of unspoken words.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Put Off The Wedding Five Times And Nobody Comes To It is a poignant exploration of love, communication, and the passage of time. Through its reflective tone and vivid imagery, the poem underscores the challenges of expressing deep emotions and the consequences of indecision. The speaker's struggle to find the right words and his recollection of various proverbs and personal memories highlight the complexity of human relationships and the importance of seizing the moment. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the need for clear, open communication in matters of the heart.