Noon Hour Comments

He writes of a hardworking woman who makes cigars in a factory, sweating to earn her wages. But when the lunch break arrives, she can look out the window and dream of freedom. 'The free open ways' are a contrast to the closed factory. Very impressive.

Saandburg's compassion for the hard working poor shows here, in the form of the cigar maker toiling under sad conditions indoors among the dust and drear. With respite comes the hint of fresh, clean air and the cool delights of freedom - which she cannot manage to afford. She may dream on, however.