The Art of Perseverance

Carl Sandburg was an American poet, folk musician and writer born in
January of 1878. His poetry was mostly written in free verse, meaning that it
had no particular rhyming scheme or certain set up. He liked to be creative
and to do things in a manner that not everyone expected even if it meant
receiving harsh criticism. Sandburg also suffered from a serious case of
wanderlust. He was not content to simply stay in one place very long, he
made it a priority to see different parts of the world. Sandburg was an
incredibly creative man, a curious spirit and possessed a constant never
give up attitude. One may implore the question; how can you relate to
someone who lived so long ago? I asked that same thing until I became
aware of Sandburgs dedication to his craft in the midst of tribulation. In Carl
Sandburg, Karl Detzer says that in 1918 "Objectors cried that their sixyear-old daughters could write better poetry." This sentence alone could
have been enough for Sandburg to have simply given up and never written
another poem. If that had been the case, he would have never gone on to
become a three time Pulitzer prize winner or one of Americas most
treasured and respected writers.
Many people, myself included, might sit in a corner for a while and keep
their talents to themselves for fear of not being as good as they think they
are or simply for fear of being judged. Any plan for a career in the arts is a
difficult one. The fine arts road is tricky and competitive. There is a constant
desire to be perfect at everything and the frightening thought that you may

disappoint someone or let yourself down if it isnt. Despite all of this, this is
the path that Ive chosen for my life. All Ive ever wanted to do since I was
little was to perform. As Ive grown Ive become more self-aware and afraid
of what people think of me. Stage fright is something that I fight to overcome
because its a terrible weakness. Of course there have been many times
where I thought it would just be easier to throw in the towel and choose a
simpler career, but instead Ive chosen to pursue a degree in musical theatre
and make my dream a reality. I think that is one of the biggest things
Sandburg and I have in common. Im not willing to give up doing what I love
because its hard just like Sandburg wasnt willing to give up writing because
of some bad reviews.
On January 1878, Carl Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois to Clara
Mathilda and August Sandberg. Neither of his parents could read or write.
"My father couldn't sign his name," wrote Sandburg; "[he] made his 'mark' on
the CB&Q payroll sheet. My mother was able to read the Scriptures in her
native language, but she could not write, and I wrote of Abraham Lincoln
whose own mother could not read or write! I guess that somewhere along in
this you'll find a story of America." (Poetry Foundation para. 6) In elementary
school he and his older brothers changed the spelling of their last name to
Sandburg. When Sandburg turned thirteen he left school and began working
as a milk wagon driver. In his teen years he worked many odd jobs before he
eventually moved to North Carolina. (Wikipedia para. 2) He remained humble
even as his fame grew, being remembered for simply wanting to live life to

the fullest while using his talents to bring something a little more
extraordinary to the everyday person. As aforementioned, Sandburg had a
terrible case of wanderlust. He traveled the country with hardly any money
to his name. To keep himself up he sold Underwood and Underwood
stereoscope pictures and gave occasional lectures. When money ran out he
would jump on a boxcar and ride across the country, a free way of travel for
thousands of Americans without cash at the time. (Carl Sandburgs Life para.
5)
The story of Carl Sandburg is a complicated, inspiring, and entertaining tale
of a true American man with big dreams. His passion for the arts is
something that I definitely connect with. Sandburg did his best to please, but
when he didnt and critics came firing, he didnt buckle at all. He shrugged
off the harsh comments and went on to write and perform for whoever would
listen. Those who appreciated his work held him at the highest respects. He
was truly believed to be the voice of America in his time. A people person
who connected with the modern American. A writer and singer who could
give a voice to those who didnt have one. Carl Sandburg is arguably one of
the most important figures of the twentieth century. A friend of Sandburgs
once said that trying to briefly write about the poet was not an easy feat.
Rather it was like trying to picture the Grand Canyon in one black and
white snapshot." (Golden, Poetry Foundation para. 1)
In conclusion, as I strive to be the best I can be in my own craft, Im inspired
by the way Carl Sandburg had the same passionate fire about his. The way

he simply wished to be the best that he could be and live up to his own
expectations rather than anyone elses. I think that is a huge lesson we can
all learn from Sandburg; dont allow anyone to set a goal or standard for you,
create and reach your own. If you are pleased with your work and did your
absolute best, who cares what others think? Learn how to fall and pick
yourself back up and remember that bad circumstances, be they past or
present, do not define your future. I tell you the past is a bucket of ashes, so
live not in your yesterdays, not just for tomorrow, but in the here and now.
Keep moving and forget the post mortems; and remember, no one can get
the jump on the future. (Carl Sandburg Brainy Quote)

Works Cited

"Carl Sandburg." Poetry Foundation. Poetry Foundation

"Carl Sandburg." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation
"Carl Sandburg's Life. Carl Sandburg's Life