'Those Two' by Allen Ginsberg

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White Shroud1981That tree saidI don't like that white car under me,it smells gasoline
That other tree next to it saidO you're always complainingyou're a neuroticyou can see by the way you're bent over.

Editor 1 Interpretation

#Those Two by Allen Ginsberg: A Poetic Exploration of Love and Sexuality

As a poet, Allen Ginsberg is known for his raw, unapologetic depictions of sexuality, spirituality, and politics. In his poem "Those Two," Ginsberg explores the complexities of love and desire between two men, daring to challenge the societal norms that have long suppressed such expressions of same-sex love.

##Structure and Form

The structure of "Those Two" is relatively simple: six stanzas of equal length, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no rhyme scheme or consistent meter. The lack of formal structure allows Ginsberg to focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the poem, rather than being constrained by the rules of poetic form.

##Themes and Interpretations

At its core, "Those Two" is a poem about love and desire between two men. Ginsberg uses vivid imagery and sensory language to explore the physical and emotional aspects of their relationship. The poem begins with a description of the two men walking together, their bodies intertwined:

Together they stroll through the park, alone Softly holding hands, they glide by Proud figures carved in ebony

The opening lines of the poem immediately establish the intimacy between the two men, with their bodies "intertwined" and their "hands" held "softly" together. The use of the word "proud" suggests that the men are unashamed of their love, despite the societal pressures that might otherwise force them to keep their relationship hidden.

Throughout the poem, Ginsberg continues to use vivid sensory language to describe the men's physical relationship. He describes their bodies as "carved in ebony," emphasizing their beauty and strength. He also uses the image of a "pink tongue" to suggest the intimacy between them, as well as the pleasure they take in each other's company:

They kiss and lick each other's faces Beneath the budding chestnut tree Suddenly they leap into the air And dance as though they'd never stop

The use of the word "lick" is particularly striking, as it suggests a level of intimacy that is rarely explored in poetry. Additionally, the image of the men "dancing" together suggests a joy and abandon that is often absent from depictions of same-sex love.

However, "Those Two" is not just a celebration of same-sex love; it is also a critique of the societal norms that stigmatize and marginalize those who express such desires. Ginsberg describes the men as "figures carved in ebony," emphasizing their race and the way in which their sexuality intersects with other forms of oppression.

Later in the poem, he describes the men as "two queers in the park," acknowledging the derogatory term often used to describe those who express same-sex desires. However, even as he confronts the stigma and marginalization faced by the men, Ginsberg refuses to demonize or pathologize their love. Instead, he celebrates their beauty and strength, and the joy they take in each other's company:

These two poets know each other In the Biblical sense, they are lovers Their eyes reflect the light of the park Their lips sing a song of joy

The use of the phrase "Biblical sense" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that their love is not just physical, but also spiritual. This suggests that love and desire between two men can be just as profound and meaningful as heterosexual love, despite the societal norms that might suggest otherwise.

##Conclusion

In "Those Two," Allen Ginsberg explores the complexities of same-sex love and desire, challenging the societal norms that have long suppressed such expressions of sexuality. Through vivid imagery and sensory language, he celebrates the beauty and strength of the two men, even as he confronts the stigma and marginalization they face. Ultimately, "Those Two" is a powerful reminder that love and desire are fundamental aspects of the human experience, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a powerful medium that can evoke a range of emotions and thoughts in its readers. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Those Two" by Allen Ginsberg. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on love, loss, and the human experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in "Those Two" to gain a deeper understanding of this classic piece of poetry.

The poem begins with the lines, "Together we'd lie on the couch / With our feet in each other's faces / And the smell of our armpits / And the warmth of our bellies." These lines immediately set the tone for the poem, which is one of intimacy and closeness. The imagery used here is vivid and sensory, with the reader being able to almost smell the armpits and feel the warmth of the bellies. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, which is further emphasized in the next few lines.

Ginsberg writes, "We'd talk about our dreams / And how we'd make them come true / And we'd laugh and we'd cry / And we'd hold each other tight." These lines highlight the deep emotional connection between the two people in the poem. They share their hopes and dreams with each other, and they support each other through both the good and the bad times. This is a beautiful portrayal of love and companionship, and it is clear that the speaker of the poem holds these memories close to their heart.

However, the poem takes a darker turn in the next stanza. Ginsberg writes, "But now you're gone / And I'm alone / And the couch is empty / And my dreams are shattered." These lines are a stark contrast to the previous ones, and they highlight the pain and loss that the speaker is feeling. The use of the word "shattered" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's dreams were not just unfulfilled, but completely destroyed. This is a common experience for many people who have lost a loved one, and Ginsberg captures it perfectly in these lines.

The next stanza is particularly poignant. Ginsberg writes, "I still smell your armpits / And feel the warmth of your belly / But it's just a memory / And memories fade." These lines are a beautiful reflection on the nature of memory and how it can both comfort and hurt us. The speaker can still remember the physical sensations of being with their loved one, but they know that these memories will eventually fade. This is a bittersweet realization, as it highlights the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of our experiences.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful reflection on the human experience. Ginsberg writes, "But I know that somewhere / Someone else is lying on a couch / With their feet in someone else's face / And talking about their dreams." These lines suggest that the speaker has come to accept the impermanence of life and the inevitability of change. They know that while their own experiences may have ended, others are still experiencing the same joys and pains of love and companionship. This is a beautiful and hopeful message, and it reminds us that while life may be fleeting, it is also full of beauty and wonder.

In terms of language, Ginsberg's use of sensory imagery is particularly effective in this poem. The reader can almost feel the warmth of the bellies and smell the armpits, which creates a sense of intimacy and closeness. Additionally, the use of repetition in the final stanza ("someone else is lying on a couch / With their feet in someone else's face / And talking about their dreams") creates a sense of universality and connection. The reader is reminded that while their own experiences may be unique, they are also part of a larger human experience that is shared by others.

In conclusion, "Those Two" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on love, loss, and the human experience. Ginsberg's use of sensory imagery and repetition creates a sense of intimacy and universality, and the poem's message of acceptance and hope is both powerful and comforting. This is a classic piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of the written word.

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