Carl Sandburg's poem "Grass," first appearing in his collection Cornhuskers, reveals a somber side to the poet, often overshadowed by his more exuberant works. The poem addresses themes of mortality and oblivion in a straightforward manner, diverging from Sandburg's more dynamic pieces like "Chicago." Through vivid imagery and repetition, "Grass" unites the American and European war landscapes, underscoring a shared human destiny.

An Unseen Side of Sandburg

"Grass" opens with a stark command to heap the dead high at historical battlefields such as Austerlitz and Waterloo before covering them, allowing nature to reclaim the ground. The poem's second stanza extends this to American Civil War sites, emphasizing the act of burying the dead to facilitate the growth of grass, which eventually erases the scars of battle. As train passengers traverse these sites years later, they inquire about their location, highlighting the grass’s role in rendering the past forgotten. This imagery of grass signifies nature’s apathy towards human conflict, as it quietly engulfs the memories of those who perished.

Imagery and Melancholy

Sandburg employs simplicity in language and image, crafting the poem's melancholic tone through repetition and conventional diction. Words like "pile," "shovel," "bodies," and "under" evoke the grim realities of death, while the mention of specific battlefields anchors these themes in history. Everyday images of graveyards, trains, and conductors ground the poem without resorting to vivid colloquialisms, creating a reserved formality akin to a somber chant or dirge. The poem alternates between long lines giving instructions and short lines that echo the grass's relentless work, reinforcing the notion that all who died in these battles are eventually forgotten.

Repetition and Restraint

While "Grass" showcases Sandburg's fondness for repetition, it remains understated and succinct. Unlike his more celebrated works, "Grass" lacks an overt message of hope or resilience. Its detached tone brings to mind the somber reflections of Emily Dickinson rather than the exuberant declarations of Walt Whitman. By referencing American battlefields, trains, and conductors, Sandburg subtly critiques the notion that Americans, known for their bold democratic ideals, are immune to the inevitabilities of war and the silence of nature’s indifference.

Exploring Life's Unanswered Questions

Although Sandburg is often celebrated for his optimistic portrayals of "the people," his more melancholic works like "Grass" reveal a persistent contemplation of existential themes. Throughout his literary career, Sandburg pondered profound spiritual questions without finding consolation in traditional religious beliefs. Despite criticisms labeling his poetry as nontraditional, Sandburg's focus on themes of loss and melancholy aligns him with the tradition of English meditative verse, particularly resonating with the English graveyard poets who explore the transient nature of life.