Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders:
–From “Chicago” by Carl Sandburg
The Carl Sandburg’s poem “Chicago” presents an iconic and enduring image of the city of Chicago. Sandburg was a long-time Chicago resident, and the city was often featured in his poems. But what makes a poet a “Chicago Poet?” A poet born in Chicago? Lived in Chicago? Someone who wrote poetry in or about Chicago? An artist embraced by the City? (For an in-depth exploration of this question, check out the Chicago Magazine article “Is Chicago the Poetry Capitol of America?“).
However you define a Chicago poet, the city has produced some of the greats, including Carl Sandburg, Gwendolyn Brooks, One Book selection 1919 author Eve L. Ewing, and many others. Check out the Library’s collection of works by Chicago poets, both past and present, in the virtual book display below:
And dive deep into the Library’s collection of One Book selection 1919 author Eve L. Ewing:
