Greg how do you have time to do all the reading and writing? You’re raising your family, working a regular job, a podcast, the 5/8, keeping up with current events! Multi talented so glad I found you on twitter of all places. I wonder if Sandberg’s biography of Lincoln is available at the library.
Christine: the answer is, I have no idea. Coffee, I guess? I don't know that I've ever seen a copy of the biography, but I can't imagine a library wouldn't have it.
I remember him reading a poem at the Inauguration of JFK. My mother, attended the other World's Fair in Chicago in 1934. Thanks for the wonderful history lesson of the 1st one held in the 19th century. We certainly have a great history of a Nation going through after birth pains and celebrations.
Brought me to tears, Greg. Thank you. I love your literary columns, and this one is my favorite, with Sandburg and Lincoln as the focus. As so many are, I am obsessed with Lincoln. Also, I recommend touring Sandburg’s retirement home in Flat Rock, NC. It is as he left it with bookshelf after bookshelf everywhere filled with books. I felt as if he might walk in any moment.
Especially in the present age, I have become even more obsessed with Lincoln’s wisdom and humility and way with words. Yes, it almost seems like December 1862 again, and may well still be. People want to pretend this is not so, “it’s just politics,” “both sides both sides,” but the rhetoric from Trump and all his Nazi or Nazi adjacent followers and bizarrely a generally separate group of “normal” Christian followers and other “normal” people strikes real fear in me.
Thank you for this today. It has been depressing to me to see how few “leaders” are looking to history. The execrable Mitch McConnell is not just in the twilight of his career, he is the ever darkening twilight of his life. Apparently he is still working today to secure his place in the history books as maybe the chief architect of the decline and fall of the American experiment. What are he and so many others thinking?
Anyway, thank you. I loved this today. “A story of America” indeed!
Thanks so much, Rick. Lincoln never fails to astonish me. It's like he was beamed back to the 1860s from some wiser future. The literary genius, the poetry, the understanding of the moment, the patience, the grace...unreal.
Thank you for balancing a historical account with context and riveting writing. I didn't know anything about Carl Sandburg's life and his affinity for Abe Lincoln and his story inspired me. Thanks for reintroducing me to his poetry. This is a tasty Sunday morning treat for the soul.
I found a link to pictures of his visit with JFK I thought you and your readers might find interesting"
Greg, I loved today’s column about Sandburg. He was revered to us who were born and raised in NC. I remember him being at JFK’s inauguration but did not know that tidbit about Marilyn Monroe. That was quite a revelation!
Word nerds unite! We have nothing to lose but our Oxford commas!
Thanks, William!
Exquisite. Thank you Greg
Thanks, Helen!
Greg how do you have time to do all the reading and writing? You’re raising your family, working a regular job, a podcast, the 5/8, keeping up with current events! Multi talented so glad I found you on twitter of all places. I wonder if Sandberg’s biography of Lincoln is available at the library.
Christine: the answer is, I have no idea. Coffee, I guess? I don't know that I've ever seen a copy of the biography, but I can't imagine a library wouldn't have it.
Greg after reading this I’m buying the biography of Lincoln by Sandburg and reading that
What you wrote was one of the best things I have read
Thanks so much, Ravi. I haven't read it and I am going to get a copy myself!
I agree 100% with the above comments. Much gratitude for my continuing education Greg. Billserle.com
As always, Bill, thank you.
I remember him reading a poem at the Inauguration of JFK. My mother, attended the other World's Fair in Chicago in 1934. Thanks for the wonderful history lesson of the 1st one held in the 19th century. We certainly have a great history of a Nation going through after birth pains and celebrations.
Thanks, Barb!
That was awesome! One of my favorites for sure. Optimism is the mood!
Optimism! Thanks, Meemaw!
Wonderful post
Thanks, Mary!
Bravo!
Thanks, Cal! Sandburg seems like he'd be up your alley.
Perfect for a Sunday morning! Enjoying immensely, ☕️☕️☕️ — And great comments. Enjoy!
Thanks, Steven. The comments are always a pleasure for me!
Brought me to tears, Greg. Thank you. I love your literary columns, and this one is my favorite, with Sandburg and Lincoln as the focus. As so many are, I am obsessed with Lincoln. Also, I recommend touring Sandburg’s retirement home in Flat Rock, NC. It is as he left it with bookshelf after bookshelf everywhere filled with books. I felt as if he might walk in any moment.
Especially in the present age, I have become even more obsessed with Lincoln’s wisdom and humility and way with words. Yes, it almost seems like December 1862 again, and may well still be. People want to pretend this is not so, “it’s just politics,” “both sides both sides,” but the rhetoric from Trump and all his Nazi or Nazi adjacent followers and bizarrely a generally separate group of “normal” Christian followers and other “normal” people strikes real fear in me.
Thank you for this today. It has been depressing to me to see how few “leaders” are looking to history. The execrable Mitch McConnell is not just in the twilight of his career, he is the ever darkening twilight of his life. Apparently he is still working today to secure his place in the history books as maybe the chief architect of the decline and fall of the American experiment. What are he and so many others thinking?
Anyway, thank you. I loved this today. “A story of America” indeed!
Thanks so much, Rick. Lincoln never fails to astonish me. It's like he was beamed back to the 1860s from some wiser future. The literary genius, the poetry, the understanding of the moment, the patience, the grace...unreal.
Thank you for balancing a historical account with context and riveting writing. I didn't know anything about Carl Sandburg's life and his affinity for Abe Lincoln and his story inspired me. Thanks for reintroducing me to his poetry. This is a tasty Sunday morning treat for the soul.
I found a link to pictures of his visit with JFK I thought you and your readers might find interesting"
https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1961-10-25-b#?image_identifier=JFKWHP-AR6859-A
Thanks so much, Kathleen! I had fun deep-diving this, and those clips of him are incredible.
I can tell how much you enjoyed writing this. Your heart was really in it.
Greg, I loved today’s column about Sandburg. He was revered to us who were born and raised in NC. I remember him being at JFK’s inauguration but did not know that tidbit about Marilyn Monroe. That was quite a revelation!
Today
Outlaw poetry mentions Marilyn Monre with a poem by Buckowski
I didn't realize that was from today! [Or yesterday, as it were]
Thanks, Marlene. What a singular talent he was!
Thanks a lot for this Greg. Sandburg and Lincoln - a great way to start a Sunday.
Thanks so much!
Just started The Prairie Years. Its a great read! Thank you again. Billserle.com
I should read it, too.