Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Fog" is a poem by Carl Sandburg that explores the themes of nature, mystery, and the power of the natural world. The poem was first published in 1916.

The poem is written in free verse. The poem's language and imagery evoke a sense of mystery and power, as the speaker describes the way that a fog rolls in and covers the city.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the fog as a "little cat feet" that comes in on silent paws and covers the city with its presence. The speaker notes that the fog is both mysterious and powerful, and that it seems to have a life of its own.

Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the way that the fog can change the way that we see the world, obscuring our vision and creating a sense of uncertainty and disorientation. The speaker suggests that the fog represents a kind of natural power that we can never fully understand or control.

The poem's emotional climax comes in the final lines when the speaker reflects on the way that the fog represents the mystery and power of nature, and the way that it can change our understanding of the world. The poem ends with the iconic lines, "And then the fog comes / on little cat feet. / It sits looking / over harbor and city / on silent haunches / and then moves on."

Overall, "Fog" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of nature, mystery, and the power of the natural world. The poem suggests that the fog represents a kind of natural power that we can never fully understand or control, and that it can change the way that we see the world and our place in it.

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