'Death & Fame' by Allen Ginsberg

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Death & Fame: Last Poems1997When I die
I don't care what happens to my body
throw ashes in the air, scatter 'em in East River
bury an urn in Elizabeth New Jersey, B'nai Israel Cemetery
But l want a big funeral
St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Mark's Church, the largest synagogue inManhattan
First, there's family, brother, nephews, spry aged Edith stepmother96, Aunt Honey from old Newark,
Doctor Joel, cousin Mindy, brother Gene one eyed one ear'd, sister-in-law blonde Connie, five nephews, stepbrothers & sisterstheir grandchildren,
companion Peter Orlovsky, caretakers Rosenthal & Hale, Bill Morgan--
Next, teacher Trungpa Vajracharya's ghost mind, Gelek Rinpoche,there Sakyong Mipham, Dalai Lama alert, chance visitingAmerica, Satchitananda SwamiShivananda, Dehorahava Baba, Karmapa XVI, Dudjom Rinpoche,Katagiri & Suzuki Roshi's phantoms
Baker, Whalen, Daido Loorie, Qwong, Frail White-haired KapleauRoshis, Lama Tarchen --
Then, most important, lovers over half-century
Dozens, a hundred, more, older fellows bald & rich
young boys met naked recently in bed, crowds surprised to see eachother, innumerable, intimate, exchanging memories
"He taught me to meditate, now I'm an old veteran of the thousandday retreat --"
"I played music on subway platforms, I'm straight but loved him heloved me"
"I felt more love from him at 19 than ever from anyone"
"We'd lie under covers gossip, read my poetry, hug & kiss belly to bellyarms round each other"
"I'd always get into his bed with underwear on & by morning myskivvies would be on the floor"
"Japanese, always wanted take it up my bum with a master"
"We'd talk all night about Kerouac & Cassady sit Buddhalike thensleep in his captain's bed."
"He seemed to need so much affection, a shame not to make him happy"
"I was lonely never in bed nude with anyone before, he was so gentle mystomach
shuddered when he traced his finger along my abdomen nipple to hips-- "
"All I did was lay back eyes closed, he'd bring me to come with mouth& fingers along my waist"
"He gave great head"
So there be gossip from loves of 1948, ghost of Neal Cassady commin-gling with flesh and youthful blood of 1997
and surprise -- "You too? But I thought you were straight!"
"I am but Ginsberg an exception, for some reason he pleased me."
"I forgot whether I was straight gay queer or funny, was myself, tenderand affectionate to be kissed on the top of my head,
my forehead throat heart & solar plexus, mid-belly. on my prick,tickled with his tongue my behind"
"I loved the way he'd recite 'But at my back allways hear/ time's wingedchariot hurrying near,' heads together, eye to eye, on apillow --"
Among lovers one handsome youth straggling the rear
"I studied his poetry class, 17 year-old kid, ran some errands to hiswalk-up flat,
seduced me didn't want to, made me come, went home, never saw himagain never wanted to... "
"He couldn't get it up but loved me," "A clean old man." "He madesure I came first"
This the crowd most surprised proud at ceremonial place of honor--
Then poets & musicians -- college boys' grunge bands -- age-old rockstar Beatles, faithful guitar accompanists, gay classical con-ductors, unknown high Jazz music composers, funky trum-peters, bowed bass & french horn black geniuses, folksingerfiddlers with dobro tamborine harmonica mandolin auto-harp pennywhistles & kazoos
Next, artist Italian romantic realists schooled in mystic 60's India,Late fauve Tuscan painter-poets, Classic draftsman Massa-chusets surreal jackanapes with continental wives, povertysketchbook gesso oil watercolor masters from Americanprovinces
Then highschool teachers, lonely Irish librarians, delicate biblio-philes, sex liberation troops nay armies, ladies of either sex
"I met him dozens of times he never remembered my name I lovedhim anyway, true artist"
"Nervous breakdown after menopause, his poetry humor saved mefrom suicide hospitals"
"Charmant, genius with modest manners, washed sink, dishes mystudio guest a week in Budapest"
Thousands of readers, "Howl changed my life in Libertyville Illinois"
"I saw him read Montclair State Teachers College decided be a poet-- "
"He turned me on, I started with garage rock sang my songs in KansasCity"
"Kaddish made me weep for myself & father alive in Nevada City"
"Father Death comforted me when my sister died Boston l982"
"I read what he said in a newsmagazine, blew my mind, realizedothers like me out there"
Deaf & Dumb bards with hand signing quick brilliant gestures
Then Journalists, editors's secretaries, agents, portraitists & photo-graphy aficionados, rock critics, cultured laborors, culturalhistorians come to witness the historic funeral
Super-fans, poetasters, aging Beatnicks & Deadheads, autograph-hunters, distinguished paparazzi, intelligent gawkers
Everyone knew they were part of 'History" except the deceased
who never knew exactly what was happening even when I was alive

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Death & Fame: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Allen Ginsberg's Classic Work

Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling completely raw and vulnerable? That made you question the very essence of life and death? That's exactly what Allen Ginsberg's Poetry, Death & Fame does. In this 4000-word literary criticism, we'll delve deeper into the themes, imagery, and symbolism used by Ginsberg to create a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers even today.

The Historical Context

Ginsberg's Poetry, Death & Fame was first published in 1973, during a time of great political and social upheaval in America. The Vietnam War was raging, civil rights protests were at their peak, and the counterculture movement was challenging traditional values and norms. Ginsberg, who was a leading figure in the Beat movement, was known for his rebellious spirit and unconventional writing style that often dealt with taboo subjects such as homosexuality, drug use, and Eastern philosophy.

Poetry, Death & Fame was written after the deaths of several of Ginsberg's close friends, including Jack Kerouac, Neal Cassady, and William S. Burroughs. In this work, Ginsberg grapples with themes of mortality, legacy, and the fleeting nature of fame.

Themes

At its heart, Poetry, Death & Fame is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Ginsberg muses on the futility of striving for fame and recognition, knowing that even the most celebrated figures will eventually be forgotten. He reflects on the fragility of the human body, which is at the mercy of illness, injury, and old age.

But despite these grim themes, Ginsberg's tone is not one of despair. Instead, he encourages us to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simple pleasures of life. He celebrates the beauty of the natural world, the power of human connection, and the healing potential of art.

Imagery and Symbolism

Ginsberg's use of imagery and symbolism is what makes Poetry, Death & Fame such a powerful work. In particular, he employs the image of the flower to represent the cycle of life and death. He describes the flower as "bursting with new life" in the spring, "wilting and dying" in the summer, and "returning to the earth" in the fall (lines 13-15). This cyclical pattern mirrors our own lives, which are born, grow, and eventually wither away.

But Ginsberg doesn't stop there. He also uses the image of the skull to convey the finality of death. He describes the skull as "grinning in deathly silence" (line 31), a stark reminder that all living things will eventually succumb to the same fate.

Lastly, Ginsberg employs the symbol of the poem itself to explore the theme of legacy. He asks, "who'll remember the soul of the words within the words machine?" (line 28), highlighting the fact that even the most beautiful and profound poetry may be forgotten over time. But despite this, he continues to write, knowing that the act of creation itself is a form of immortality.

The Language and Structure

Ginsberg's language in Poetry, Death & Fame is raw, unapologetic, and deeply personal. He uses vivid imagery, provocative metaphors, and unconventional syntax to create a work that is both beautiful and challenging. His structure is equally unorthodox, with long, meandering lines that reflect the wandering thoughts of a mind grappling with big questions.

But despite this apparent chaos, Ginsberg's work is also highly structured – he employs repetition, alliteration, and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, the repeated refrain "I'm speaking of love" (lines 5, 33, 55) ties together the various themes and images of the poem, reminding us that love is the one constant in a world of impermanence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Allen Ginsberg's Poetry, Death & Fame is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its themes of mortality, legacy, and the fleeting nature of fame continue to resonate with readers even today. Ginsberg's use of imagery and symbolism is both powerful and haunting, and his language and structure reflect the chaotic beauty of life itself.

Reading Poetry, Death & Fame is like staring into the abyss – it's scary, disorienting, and deeply profound. But through it all, Ginsberg reminds us that there is still beauty to be found in the darkness, and that the act of creation itself is a form of resistance against the inevitability of death. For that reason alone, this work is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition, the power of language, and the enduring legacy of great literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Death & Fame: An Analysis of Allen Ginsberg's Masterpiece

Allen Ginsberg, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, wrote a masterpiece in 1960 titled "Poetry Death & Fame." This poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry, the role of the poet in society, and the relationship between poetry and death. In this article, we will explore the themes and motifs of this poem, and analyze its significance in the context of Ginsberg's life and work.

The poem begins with a powerful statement: "Poetry is a naked woman, a naked man, and the distance between them." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and meaningless. The image of the naked woman and man suggests a primal, instinctual connection between human beings, and the distance between them represents the gap that poetry seeks to bridge.

Ginsberg goes on to describe the role of the poet in society, saying that "the poet is the voice of the people, the conscience of the nation." He sees the poet as a kind of prophet, someone who can see beyond the surface of things and reveal the deeper truths that lie beneath. This idea is echoed in the next stanza, where Ginsberg writes that "the poet is the one who sees the world as it is, and as it could be."

The theme of death is also central to this poem. Ginsberg writes that "death is the mother of beauty," suggesting that it is only through the awareness of our own mortality that we can truly appreciate the beauty of life. He goes on to say that "death is the lover's final embrace," implying that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced as a natural part of the cycle of life.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Ginsberg writes that "fame is the death of the poet," suggesting that the pursuit of fame and recognition can be a trap that leads the poet away from the true purpose of poetry. He goes on to say that "the true poet seeks not fame, but the truth," and that "the true poet seeks not to be remembered, but to be forgotten." This idea is a reflection of Ginsberg's own philosophy of poetry, which emphasizes the importance of honesty, authenticity, and a willingness to confront the darker aspects of human experience.

In terms of form, "Poetry Death & Fame" is a free-verse poem with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. This allows Ginsberg to experiment with language and imagery, and to create a sense of spontaneity and improvisation that is characteristic of his work. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition and parallelism, which give it a sense of rhythm and structure despite its lack of formal constraints.

In conclusion, "Poetry Death & Fame" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its imagery, language, and themes, it offers a vision of poetry as a means of bridging the gap between individuals and society, and of confronting the realities of life and death with honesty and courage. As such, it remains a timeless masterpiece of American poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.

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