In Carl Sandburg’s poem ‘Grass’, grass symbolizes the passage of time, death, and the nature of forgetfulness. Throughout the poem, the grass serves as a silent witness to the atrocities of war and the heavy toll it takes on humanity. It grows over the graves of soldiers, effectively covering up the horrors of conflict and allowing life to continue in a seemingly natural cycle.
The grass reminds us that while individual lives may be lost and their stories forgotten, nature perseveres and reclaims the land. It reflects the idea that human suffering is often buried beneath the weight of history, and that with time, even the most tragic events fade from public consciousness. Sandburg uses this imagery to provoke thought about the cost of war and how quickly society tends to forget the sacrifices made by those who fought.
Ultimately, the grass symbolizes both renewal and forgetfulness, encapsulating the dual themes of life moving forward while simultaneously overshadowing the past. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need to remember those who came before us and the harsh realities of history that often lie beneath the surface.