Wind Song by Carl Sandburg

This collection of Carl Sandburg poetry was published near the end of his life. I believe most of the poems in the book were first published in other publications or books, but that doesn't make them any less powerful when tied together in this one.

Really, Wind Song depicts for you the wonderful, mostly rural world of Middle America. Sandburg's poems tend not to be antagonistic or overtly political in nature, which is probably why he is known as an icon of American literature. His note in the beginning of the book says it all--treasure the poems that speak to you and feel free to disregard the rest.

I myself am partial to poems that contain direct messages. "Little Girl, Be Careful What You Say" is a good example of how some of the poems included dispense wisdom to the reader. I think the message, "be careful, be careless, be careful, be what you wish to be" speaks volumes. Act however you wish to be perceived by others.

"Mother and Child" also struck a tone with me. I feel like it captures so well the love a mother has for her children and behind that, although these aren't explicitly addressed, the hidden worries. A mother doesn't just love her child for who the child is, but for who they are going to become. And you can tie that to just about anything--politics, for example: you may love your country, but even more than that, you probably love the future you hope will come to pass as laws and social norms change (read: improve) in your lifetime.

Of the rest of the poetry that describes Middle American culture, I will say nothing, other than that it speaks for itself and that nothing has really changed in 50+ years.

~6/10~