"Yellow" by Carl Sandburg is a poem that explores the theme of the passage of time and the transience of life. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or regular meter, which reflects the unpredictable and fleeting nature of time.
The poem begins by describing the color yellow as a "flicker" and a "gleam," suggesting that it is fleeting and ephemeral. The speaker then compares yellow to "sunshine on a leaf," which further emphasizes the idea that yellow is a transient and fleeting presence.
As the poem progresses, the speaker compares yellow to various other objects and phenomena that are associated with the passage of time, such as "the rustle of autumn leaves," "the drift of sand," and "the flash of lightning." These comparisons reinforce the theme of the poem, which is that time is constantly moving and changing, and that everything in life is temporary.
The poem also touches on the theme of the relationship between humans and nature. The speaker compares yellow to natural elements such as leaves, sand, and lightning, which suggests that humans are just one small part of the larger natural world. This theme is further emphasized by the final line of the poem, in which the speaker describes yellow as "the smile of the sun," suggesting that the sun, a powerful and enduring natural force, is the source of all life and light.
In conclusion, "Yellow" by Carl Sandburg is a poem that explores the theme of the passage of time and the transience of life through the use of vivid imagery and comparisons to natural elements. The poem also touches on the theme of the relationship between humans and nature, reminding readers that we are just one small part of the larger, enduring natural world.
