Lindsay, Vachel (1879-1931), was an American poet. He believed that poetry should be performed rather than simply read. Some of his poems, such as “The Congo” (1914), even include stage directions. Among his other effective stage pieces were “General William Booth Enters into Heaven” (1913) and “The Ghosts of the Buffaloes” (1917).
Lindsay often took long walking tours through the countryside. He read aloud from his works in exchange for food and shelter.
Lindsay’s poems feature strong rhythms and vivid images. He often wrote about baseball players, circus performers, politicians, and movie stars. Much of his work shows his love of nature and democracy. But he also criticized the selfishness and emphasis on worldly things that he saw in America. His critical poems include “The Eagle That Is Forgotten” (1913) and “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight” (1914).
Nicholas Vachel Lindsay was born on Nov. 10, 1879, in Springfield, Illinois. He died on Dec. 5, 1931.
