“Joy always, joy everywhere, let joy kill you.” » is a quote from the poem “Joy” by Carl Sandburg. His simple writing shows the simplicity of everyday life. Joy can be found anywhere and can give more meaning to life's actions and choices. This theme of everyday life makes Carl Sandburg one of the most influential American poets of all time. Carl Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois on January 6, 1878. Both of his parents were Swedish immigrants who moved to America because jobs were scarce in Sweden. . Her father became a railroad worker in Burlington, Chicago and her mother was originally a housekeeper in Sweden and became a housewife in America. His family stayed in America most of the time and rarely visited Sweden. His family eventually grew and he became the second child of seven (EIU). As a child, Carl loved visiting the prairie. He never liked school or anything related to literature. He decided at the age of thirteen that he no longer wanted to go to school and therefore quit school. After that, he started driving a milk wagon. From age fourteen to seventeen, he worked at the barbershop at the Union Hotel in Galesburg. Carl loved to work. He dedicated himself to his work and serving others. At the age of twenty, Carl volunteered to join the army during the Spanish-American War. Although he never went to the combat section, he still served as an American soldier. Carl finally came home. He had no job and was unemployed. Carl began writing short poems when he founded West Point University. While at West Point, he took the math exam and failed it. He returned home soon after to Galesburg, Illinois, and attended Lombard College while continuing to write poetry. Although he... middle of paper ... around him, many programs and schools bear his name. He was a literary icon and someone I would like to be like. He was strong, intelligent, very influential and a true American. He was proud of what he believed in, never letting anyone bring him down. Works cited Bildir, Hata, ed. “Carl Sandburg.” Poem hunter. Np, and Web. March 5, 2014. Buehrmann, Elizabeth. “Carl Sandburg.” Academy of American Poets. No. Internet. March 10, 2014. .EIU, ed. “The Childhood of Carl Sandburg.” Eastern Illinois University. EasternIllinois, nd Web. March 19, 2014..Van Wienen, Mark W. "Carl Sandburg (1878-1967)." Modern American Poetry. Np.Web. March 10 2014..