Poem Analysis - Testament

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's "Testament" is a reflective and somewhat melancholic poem that contemplates mortality and the legacy one leaves behind. The tone is introspective and resigned, with a touch of defiance. The poem begins with a somber mood, acknowledging death and the disposal of the body, but shifts to a more hopeful and generous tone as it imagines the life that will continue above the grave. The speaker's voice is calm and accepting, yet there is a subtle undercurrent of rebellion against conventional expectations.

Themes of Mortality and Legacy

The primary theme of "Testament" is mortality. The speaker grants permission for their body to be taken away, acknowledging the inevitability of death. The phrase "I know there is something left over they can not put away" suggests that while the physical body may be buried, something intangible, perhaps the spirit or memory, persists. This idea is reinforced by the speaker's wish for the grave to be a place of life and growth, with goats eating clover and children picking flowers. This theme is developed through the use of natural imagery, which contrasts with the finality of death.

Themes of Social Consciousness and Choice

Another significant theme is social consciousness. The speaker mentions "the shanty people," indicating an awareness of social inequality. The choice to let the children of the shanty people pick flowers from the grave suggests a deliberate act of generosity towards the less fortunate. The speaker's statement, "I have had my chance to live with the people who have too much and the people who have too little and I chose one of the two and I have told no man why," hints at a personal history of social engagement and a deliberate alignment with the marginalized. This theme is expressed through the use of vivid, earthy imagery and a tone of quiet defiance.

Symbolism of the Grave and Nature

The grave serves as a powerful symbol in the poem, representing both the end of life and the continuation of existence in another form. The natural elements associated with the grave, such as the clover, goats, and flowers, symbolize life and growth. The "dirty-fisted children" picking flowers from the grave can be seen as a symbol of hope and resilience, despite their humble circumstances. The speaker's willingness to let these children benefit from the grave underscores the theme of generosity and social consciousness. The ambiguity of what is "left over" that the undertakers cannot put away invites readers to ponder the nature of the self and what endures beyond physical death.

Conclusion

"Testament" by Carl Sandburg is a poignant exploration of mortality, legacy, and social consciousness. Through vivid natural imagery and a tone that shifts from resignation to hope, the poem conveys the speaker's acceptance of death and their desire to leave a positive impact on the world. The grave, with its associations of life and growth, serves as a powerful symbol of the enduring legacy one can leave behind. The poem ultimately invites readers to reflect on their own choices and the impact they wish to have on the world, even after they are gone.