American poet (1878-1967).
One of America's national treasures. No one ever wrote more effectively or more powerfully about American blue collar workers. His poems are full of beautiful language, vivid imagery, brutal passion, and an obvious love for his subjects, whether they were steelworkers, farmers, unemployed laborers, or the forces of nature. He is best known for his powerhouse ode to "Chicago", and he also wrote an epic six-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln.
Sandburg was the first poet I read, back in high school, who didn't need to use flowery or archaic language to get his point across. He understood that a poet should be speaking the common language of his readers, instead of erecting barriers by using unnecessary frills and twirls. Too many poets write for a tiny audience of intellectuals, English professors, and other poets; Sandburg was writing for everyone.
He's still my favorite poet, and he probably always will be.