Poets on Poetry - Carl Sandburg

Quotations and Excerpts from Master Poets, Reflecting Upon the Poetic Craft

Linda Ann Nickerson
"Poetry is a packsack
of invisible keepsakes."

"Poetry is an echo,
asking a shadow to dance."

"Poetry is the opening and closing of a door,
leaving those who look through to guess about
what is seen during the moment."

"Poetry is the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits."

"Poetry is the journal of the sea animal
living on land,
wanting to fly in the air."

"I've written some poetry
I don't understand myself."

Carl Sandburg
(1878 - 1967)

These five separate metaphors from the pen of Carl Sandburg reveal much about the nature of poetry and why it stirs us so.

Personally, I love the final quote on the list. Occasionally, in crafting creative writing, we may even surprise ourselves!

Published by Linda Ann Nickerson - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports

Linda Ann Nickerson brings decades of reporting and a globally minded Midwestern perspective to a host of topics, balancing human interest with history, hard facts and often humor.   View profile

  • The American classic writer Carl Sandburg was born in 1878 in Illinois.
  • Sandburg worked as an advertising and newpaper writer in Milwaukee and Chicago.
  • His most famous poems include "Chicago" and "Fog."
Linda Ann Nickerson has written and published many helpful holiday how-to's, humor pieces, poems, and informative articles. Click on her name at the top of this item to view additional content from this prolific author.

5 Comments

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  • Lenora Murdock 2/14/2008

    Great quotes~

  • Coffee Mugg 2/12/2008

    I also have written some that I do not understand. Good Job Miss Linda

  • Rodney Southern 2/12/2008

    Excellent work Linda... Very interesting angle on this.

  • J. E. Davidson 2/12/2008

    Great quotes from a great poet.

  • Carol Bengle Gilbert 2/12/2008

    Beautiful- it's nice to know some your inspirations.

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