February 10, 2010

Something Wonderful: The People Yes

anvil-fire.jpg

Between the finite limitations of the five senses
and the endless yearnings of man for the beyond
the people hold to the humdrum bidding of work and food
while reaching out when it comes their way
for lights beyond the prison of the five senses,
for keepsakes lasting beyond any hunger or death.
      This reaching is alive.
The panderers and liars have violated and smutted it.
      Yet this reaching is alive yet
      for lights and keepsakes....

This old anvil laughs at many broken hammers.
      There are men who can't be bought.
      The fireborn are at home in fire.
      The stars make no noise,
      You can't hinder the wind from blowing.
      Time is a great teacher.
      Who can live without hope?

In the darkness with a great bundle of grief
      the people march.
In the night, and overhead a shovel of stars for keeps, the people
march:
      "Where to? what next?"

-- Carl Sandburg: The People Yes (excerpt)

Posted by Vanderleun at February 10, 2010 5:35 PM
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