Poem Analysis - Streets Too Old

Initial Impressions and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Streets Too Old" presents a vivid and somewhat melancholic exploration of an ancient city. The poem's tone is reflective and somber, with a sense of weariness and resignation. The speaker walks through the city, observing its aged streets and statues, and the mood shifts from contemplative to almost desperate, as the statues seem to plead for release from their eternal vigil. The poem's free verse form supports its introspective and wandering nature, mirroring the speaker's journey through the city.

Themes of Aging and Mortality

The primary theme of "Streets Too Old" is the inexorable passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The city's streets are described as "lean as the throats of hard seafish," suggesting a stark, emaciated quality that comes with age. The "old women of the people" and "old midwives" symbolize the enduring, weary strength of those who have lived long lives. The repeated phrase "How old, how old, how old, we are" emphasizes the pervasive sense of age and decay. The statues of kings, both ancient and young, further highlight the theme of mortality, as they represent the fleeting nature of power and life.

Themes of Power and Corruption

The statues of kings also introduce the theme of power and its corrupting influence. The "ancient bearded kings" who wrote books and spoke of God's love contrast with the "young kings" who took forth armies, splitting heads and enlarging their kingdoms. This juxtaposition suggests that power often leads to violence and conquest, rather than wisdom and benevolence. The kings' statues, standing on every corner, serve as a constant reminder of the city's history of power struggles and conflicts.

Themes of Longing for Release

The final theme is a longing for release from the burdens of the past. The "murmur always whistling on the winds" asks, "Is there no loosening? Is this for always?" This question reflects a desire for change and escape from the eternal cycle of aging and decay. One statue even cries out for release, wanting to be pulled down and melted into neckchains for dancing children. This plea suggests a yearning for transformation and renewal, a break from the endless repetition of history.

Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and symbols. The "lean" streets and "old women" and "midwives" create a stark picture of age and weariness. The statues of kings serve as powerful symbols of the city's history and the corrupting influence of power. The "early snowflurry" and the "fierce fire" add a sense of urgency and transformation to the poem's final lines. The bronze of the statues, which can be melted and reshaped, symbolizes the potential for change and renewal, even in the face of seemingly eternal decay. The open-ended question of whether there is "no loosening" invites readers to consider the possibility of escape from the cycles of history and mortality.

Conclusion

"Streets Too Old" is a poignant exploration of aging, mortality, and the longing for release from the burdens of the past. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbols, Sandburg invites readers to reflect on the inexorable passage of time and the potential for transformation. The poem's final lines, with their plea for release and renewal, offer a sense of hope amidst the weariness and decay, suggesting that even in the oldest of cities, there is always room for change.