Cahoots

In ‘Cahoots,’ the speaker challenges societal norms and explores themes of corruption, collaboration, and the absence of consequences. Through provocative language and imagery, the poem criticizes the moral ambiguity and lack of accountability in society.

The speaker’s cynical and confrontational tone invites readers to question their own complicity in societal ills and challenges the notion of authority and integrity. ‘Cahoots’ serves as a powerful critique of the darker aspects of human nature and the systemic issues that perpetuate corruption.

Cahoots
Carl Sandburg

Play it across the table.What if we steal this city blind?If they want any thing let 'em nail it down.

Harness bulls, dicks, front office men,And the high goats up on the bench,Ain't they all in cahoots?Ain't it fifty-fifty all down the line,Petemen, dips, boosters, stick-ups and guns—        what's to hinder?

        Go fifty-fifty.If they nail you call in a mouthpiece.Fix it, you gazump, you slant-head, fix it.        Feed 'em. . . .

Nothin' ever sticks to my fingers, nah, nah,        nothin' like that,But there ain't no law we got to wear mittens—        huh—is there?Mittens, that's a good one—mittens!There oughta be a law everybody wear mittens.

Summary

The poem ‘Cahoots’ by Carl Sandburg explores themes of corruption, collaboration, and the absence of accountability in society. It presents a cynical perspective on power dynamics and criminal activities.

The speaker suggests playing a risky game, symbolized by stealing the city blind and challenging the status quo. They question whether anyone can stop them from taking what they want and propose the involvement of various authoritative figures, such as police officers, legal officials, and judges. The speaker asserts that all these individuals are secretly collaborating or in ‘Cahoots’ with each other.

The phrase “fifty-fifty” emphasizes the idea that everyone involved, including pickpockets, burglars, con artists, and even those wielding guns, shares the spoils equally. There is a sense of unity among these individuals, with each one benefitting from the illicit activities.

The speaker encourages those involved in criminal acts to protect themselves if they get caught. They suggest hiring a lawyer (mouthpiece) to manipulate the legal system and ensure favorable outcomes. The tone becomes commanding, urging the perpetrators to fix any problems they encounter and to “feed” or bribe those who may pose a threat.

The speaker takes pride in their own abilities, claiming that nothing ever sticks to their fingers. However, they question whether there is a law that obliges them to be cautious (wear mittens) in their actions. The mention of mittens sarcastically implies that everyone should be required to conceal their wrongdoings.

In short, ‘Cahoots’ presents a dark portrayal of a society where corruption is rampant and individuals involved in criminal activities collaborate without consequences. It highlights the lack of accountability and suggests that those in power manipulate the system to their advantage. The poem questions the moral integrity of society and hints at the need for stricter regulations.

Structure and Form

The poem ‘Cahoots’ by Carl Sandburg is structured in four stanzas, each containing a varying number of lines. The poem’s form is irregular, with lines ranging from two to six syllables in length. The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme and meter adds to the poem’s free verse style, contributing to its conversational and informal tone.

The first stanza consists of three lines, setting up the provocative tone and introducing the central idea of the poem. The short and fragmented lines, such as “Play it across the table” and “If they want anything let ’em nail it down,” create a sense of urgency and directness.

The second stanza expands on the concept of collaboration and corruption, using longer lines and rhetorical questions to engage the reader. The phrase “Ain’t they all in cahoots?” emphasizes the speaker’s belief in the widespread nature of collaboration and the lack of integrity within the system. The use of dashes breaks up the flow of the stanza, adding a sense of interruption and emphasis.

The third stanza introduces the phrase “Go fifty-fifty,” which becomes a recurring refrain. This repetition reinforces the notion of equal sharing and highlights the speaker’s cynical view that everyone involved in criminal activities benefits equally. The short, fragmented lines in this stanza contribute to the speaker’s assertiveness and commanding tone.

The final stanza consists of six lines and concludes the poem with a sarcastic and mocking tone. The speaker dismisses the idea of personal accountability by questioning the need to wear mittens, implying that everyone should be allowed to engage in wrongdoing without consequence. The repetition of the word “mittens” adds a playful yet satirical element to the stanza.

Themes

In his poem ‘Cahoots,’ Carl Sandburg explores several themes that shed light on the nature of corruption, collaboration, and accountability within society.

One prominent theme is the pervasive presence of corruption and collaboration. Sandburg suggests that individuals from various walks of life, including law enforcement, legal professionals, and criminals, are all ‘Cahoots.’ He questions the integrity of these individuals and implies that they collude for personal gain. The speaker’s rhetorical question, “Ain’t they all in cahoots?” emphasizes this theme and highlights the widespread nature of corruption.

Another theme is the absence of accountability. Sandburg portrays a world where there are no consequences for illicit activities. The speaker encourages individuals involved in criminal acts to fix any problems that arise, manipulate the legal system, and bribe their way out of trouble. The phrase “If they nail you call in a mouthpiece” illustrates this lack of accountability and the notion that the system can be easily manipulated.

A cynical perspective on power dynamics and inequality is also evident in the poem. The recurring phrase “Go fifty-fifty” suggests that the spoils of criminal activities are shared equally among the perpetrators, regardless of their roles. Sandburg implies that this equality is born out of a shared understanding and collaboration, highlighting the inherent imbalance and unfairness in society.

Furthermore, the poem touches on the concept of moral ambiguity. The speaker takes pride in their own ability to avoid getting caught and asserts that “nothin’ ever sticks to my fingers.” This ambiguous morality challenges conventional notions of right and wrong and suggests a sense of moral relativism in the world Sandburg presents.

Poetic Techniques and Figurative Language

In ‘Cahoots,’ Carl Sandburg employs various poetic techniques and figurative language to convey his message effectively.

• Rhetorical questions: One notable technique is the use of rhetorical questions. Sandburg utilizes this device to engage the reader and emphasize his points. For instance, when he asks, “Ain’t they all in cahoots?” he prompts readers to contemplate the pervasive collaboration and corruption in society.
• Repetition: The poet also employs repetition to create emphasis and reinforce key ideas. The phrase “Go fifty-fifty” is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a refrain that underscores the equal sharing of spoils among criminals. This repetition adds a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its impact.
• Colloquial Language: Sandburg employs colloquial language and slang, such as “Petemen, dips, boosters, stick-ups, and guns,” to create an informal and conversational tone. This choice of language contributes to the poem’s realism and authenticity, making it relatable to readers.
• Figurative language: The phrase “steal this city blind” uses the metaphor of blindness to represent the audacity of the proposed actions and the disregard for consequences. It conveys the notion of taking advantage of the city without any restraint.
• Metaphor: Furthermore, Sandburg uses the metaphor of wearing “mittens” to imply that everyone should conceal their wrongdoings and avoid accountability. The mention of mittens sarcastically suggests a need for a law that would require individuals to hide their actions, emphasizing the poem’s critique of a lack of consequences.
• Syntax: Additionally, Sandburg incorporates fragments and short, choppy sentences to create a sense of urgency and directness. This fragmented syntax mirrors the speaker’s tone and highlights the poem’s confrontational nature.

Detailed Analysis

Stanza One

Play it across the table.
What if we steal this city blind?
If they want any thing let ’em nail it down

In the first stanza of the poem ‘Cahoots’ by Carl Sandburg, the speaker introduces the provocative and confrontational tone that permeates the entire poem. Through this stanza, Sandburg conveys a message about audacity, challenging the status quo, and the notion of ownership.

The opening line, “Play it across the table,” immediately grabs the reader’s attention. This line carries a sense of audacity, as if the speaker is proposing a daring game or scheme. The use of the word “play” suggests a calculated and strategic approach to their actions, evoking the image of individuals engaged in a risky endeavor.

The following line, “What if we steal this city blind?” presents a bold question that challenges conventional moral and legal boundaries. The phrase “steal this city blind” uses vivid imagery and hyperbole to emphasize the extent of their audacious plan. By suggesting the theft of an entire city, the speaker highlights the scale of their proposed action and the disregard for societal norms.

The third line, “If they want anything let ’em nail it down,” reinforces the speaker’s rebellious attitude and challenges the concept of ownership. The phrase suggests that if someone desires something, they should take measures to secure it. This line implies a lack of responsibility and accountability, as the onus is on the individuals who possess something to protect it rather than relying on others to do so.

Collectively, these three lines convey a message of defiance against established norms and authority. Sandburg challenges the notion of ownership and suggests that individuals can push boundaries and take what they desire without consequences. The stanza encourages a mindset of audacity and opportunism, rejecting the idea of respecting boundaries or waiting for permission.

Through this opening stanza, Sandburg establishes the poem’s themes of corruption, collaboration, and moral ambiguity, setting the stage for a critical examination of societal values and power dynamics. The language and imagery used in the stanza effectively convey the speaker’s provocative message and invite readers to question their own perspectives on authority and ownership.

Stanza Two

Harness bulls, dicks, front office men,
And the high goats up on the bench,
Ain’t they all in cahoots?
Ain’t it fifty-fifty all down the line,
Petemen, dips, boosters, stick-ups and guns—
        what’s to hinder?

In the second stanza of Carl Sandburg’s poem ‘Cahoots,’ the speaker delves into the theme of collaboration, corruption, and the imbalance of power within society. Through vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and colloquial language, Sandburg conveys a message about the pervasive nature of corruption and the collusion between various societal figures.

The stanza begins with the line, “Harness bulls, dicks, front office men,” employing slang terms to refer to law enforcement officers and individuals in positions of power. The word “harness” suggests control and manipulation, implying that these figures are being utilized or controlled for ulterior motives.

The following line, “And the high goats up on the bench,” refers to judges or legal professionals who hold authoritative positions. The use of the metaphor “high goats” emphasizes their elevated status and suggests a sense of detachment from the common people. This line implies that even those responsible for upholding justice may be complicit in the corruption and collaboration.

The rhetorical questions that follow, “Ain’t they all in cahoots?” and “Ain’t it fifty-fifty all down the line,” further highlight the speaker’s belief in the widespread collusion and equal sharing of illicit gains. The use of repetition in these lines emphasizes the speaker’s cynicism and reinforces the idea that corruption permeates all levels of society.

Sandburg employs a list of criminal figures, such as “Petemen, dips, boosters, stick-ups and guns,” to illustrate the range of individuals involved in illegal activities. This list adds a sense of realism and diversity to the poem, further emphasizing the depth of collaboration and corruption.

The final line of the stanza, “what’s to hinder?” challenges the notion of barriers or consequences. It suggests that there are no obstacles preventing collaboration and criminal activities from occurring. This line implies a sense of inevitability, reinforcing the idea that corruption is deeply ingrained in society.

Through this second stanza, Sandburg conveys a message about the pervasive nature of corruption and collaboration, highlighting the involvement of individuals in positions of power. The use of vivid imagery, rhetorical questions, and colloquial language effectively conveys the speaker’s cynical perspective and invites readers to question the integrity of those in authority.

Stanza Three

        Go fifty-fifty.
If they nail you call in a mouthpiece.
Fix it, you gazump, you slant-head, fix it.
        Feed ’em. . . .

In the third stanza of Carl Sandburg’s poem ‘Cahoots,’ the speaker delves into themes of manipulation, evasion of consequences, and bribery. Through imperative statements, derogatory language, and forceful commands, Sandburg conveys a message about the lack of accountability and the willingness to exploit others for personal gain.

The stanza opens with the command, “Go fifty-fifty,” which reinforces the idea of equal sharing of spoils among individuals involved in criminal activities. This line suggests a sense of unity and collaboration, as well as a disregard for moral or legal boundaries.

The following line, “If they nail you call in a mouthpiece,” highlights the speaker’s advice on how to evade consequences when caught. The term “nail” implies being caught or apprehended by authorities, while “mouthpiece” refers to a lawyer. The speaker’s instruction suggests that one should seek legal representation to manipulate the legal system and secure a favorable outcome.

The repetition of the word “fix it” adds emphasis and urgency to the stanza. The derogatory terms “gazump” and “slant-head” are used to address or refer to the reader. These insults, though derogatory, create a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among those involved in illicit activities.

The final line, “Feed ’em,” alludes to bribery and the act of paying off individuals who may pose a threat. This line implies that money or favors can be used to manipulate or influence those in positions of power.

Through this stanza, Sandburg conveys a message about the lack of accountability and the willingness to exploit others for personal gain. The imperative statements and forceful commands emphasize the speaker’s authoritative tone and highlight the cynical view that success lies in manipulating the system and corrupting those who may stand in the way.

The use of derogatory language adds a layer of realism and authenticity to the poem, as it reflects the colloquialisms and slang often used in underground or criminal circles. Sandburg’s deliberate choice of words conveys the speaker’s attitude of defiance and resourcefulness in the face of potential consequences.

Stanza Four

Nothin’ ever sticks to my fingers, nah, nah,
        nothin’ like that,
But there ain’t no law we got to wear mittens—
        huh—is there?
Mittens, that’s a good one—mittens!
There oughta be a law everybody wear mittens.

In the fourth stanza of Carl Sandburg’s poem ‘Cahoots,’ the speaker explores the theme of moral ambiguity, personal responsibility, and the absence of consequences. Through colloquial language, rhetorical questions, and irony, Sandburg conveys a message about the speaker’s indifference towards wrongdoing and the need for societal regulations.

The stanza begins with the speaker asserting, “Nothin’ ever sticks to my fingers, nah, nah, nothin’ like that,” suggesting a sense of invincibility or immunity to the consequences of his actions. This line highlights the speaker’s belief that they can engage in illicit activities without facing any repercussions or guilt.

The following lines express a sarcastic tone and a sense of defiance toward societal norms. The speaker questions whether there is a law that requires them to wear “mittens,” using the term metaphorically to represent concealing or hiding one’s actions. The speaker’s rhetorical question challenges the idea of personal accountability and suggests a desire to operate without restraint.

The repetition of the word “mittens” adds emphasis and reinforces the sarcastic tone. The speaker dismisses the idea of wearing mittens as a humorous concept, further illustrating his indifference toward societal expectations and regulations.

The final line, “There oughta be a law everybody wear mittens,” employs irony and sarcasm. The speaker suggests that if concealing one’s actions is desirable, then it should be mandated for everyone. This ironic statement challenges the speaker’s own stance and reveals the absurdity of his perspective. It highlights the speaker’s lack of moral conviction and their willingness to subvert societal norms for personal gain.

Through this stanza, Sandburg conveys a message about moral relativism and the speaker’s nonchalant attitude towards wrongdoing. The colloquial language and sarcastic tone reflect the speaker’s indifference to the moral implications of their actions. The stanza invites readers to question the notion of personal responsibility and the need for societal regulations to maintain a sense of integrity.

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Similar Poetry

If you have enjoyed this poem by Carl Sandburg, take your time to explore his following other poems:

• ‘To Beachey, 1912‘ is a poem that expresses the author’s appreciation for aviation. The main character of the poem is flying in an airplane, and from high up, he is able to really appreciate the beauty of the blue sky.
• ‘A Dream Girl’ is a romantic poem that expresses the author’s hope that he will one day find the woman of his dreams.
• ‘Flash Crimson’ is an emotionally charged, devotional poem where a speaker is eager to ask God for more hardships. It deals with the themes of devotion, morality, legacy, and the afterlife.