'Cosmopolitan Greetings' by Allen Ginsberg
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To Struga Festival Golden Wreath Laureates
& International Bards 1986
Stand up against governments, against God.
Stay irresponsible.
Say only what we know & imagine.
Absolutes are coercion.
Change is absolute.
Ordinary mind includes eternal perceptions.
Observe what's vivid.
Notice what you notice.
Catch yourself thinking.
Vividness is self-selecting.
If we don't show anyone, we're free to write anything.
Remember the future.
Advise only yourself.
Don't drink yourself to death.
Two molecules clanking against each other requires an observer to become
scientific data.
The measuring instrument determines the appearance of the phenomenal
world after Einstein.
The universe is subjective.
Walt Whitman celebrated Person.
We Are an observer, measuring instrument, eye, subject, Person.
Universe is person.
Inside skull vast as outside skull.
Mind is outer space.
"Each on his bed spoke to himself alone, making no sound."
First thought, best thought.
Mind is shapely, Art is shapely.
Maximum information, minimum number of syllables.
Syntax condensed, sound is solid.
Intense fragments of spoken idiom, best.
Consonants around vowels make sense.
Savor vowels, appreciate consonants.
Subject is known by what she sees.
Others can measure their vision by what we see.
Candor ends paranoia.
Kral Majales
June 25, 1986
Boulder, Colorado
Editor 1 Interpretation
#Cosmopolitan Greetings: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Allen Ginsberg's "Cosmopolitan Greetings" is a powerful poem that speaks to the complexities of human existence and the struggle for freedom, justice, and peace. In this essay, we will explore the various themes and literary devices employed by Ginsberg to convey his message.
##Background
"Cosmopolitan Greetings" was first published in 1986, more than two decades after its composition. The poem was written in response to the Cold War era and the rise of the Reagan administration. It was also a reflection of Ginsberg's own experiences as an activist and a gay rights advocate.
The poem is divided into three parts and features a variety of literary styles, including free verse, prose, and song. The use of these styles creates a sense of diversity and inclusivity, which is one of the themes explored in the poem.
##Themes
One of the primary themes of "Cosmopolitan Greetings" is the struggle for freedom and justice. Ginsberg addresses this theme directly in the poem's opening lines: "If we don't show anyone, we're free to do anything." The line suggests that freedom is not a given but must be fought for and defended.
Throughout the poem, Ginsberg highlights the struggles of marginalized groups, including women, homosexuals, and people of color. He also critiques the political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.
Another major theme of the poem is love and compassion. Ginsberg expresses his deep love for humanity, despite its flaws and imperfections. He also acknowledges the role of love and compassion in creating a more just and peaceful world.
The theme of spirituality is also present in the poem. Ginsberg draws from a variety of religious traditions, including Buddhism and Christianity, to explore the meaning of existence and the nature of reality.
##Literary Devices
Ginsberg employs a variety of literary devices to convey his message in "Cosmopolitan Greetings." One of the most prominent is repetition. The phrase "Cosmopolitan Greetings" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and inclusivity.
The poem also features allusions to historical events and figures, including Martin Luther King Jr., the Vietnam War, and the Holocaust. These allusions add depth and meaning to the poem, connecting it to broader social and political issues.
Ginsberg also uses imagery to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the world around him. For example, in the second part of the poem, he describes the "salsa picante of New York streets" and the "electricity of Times Square." These images capture the vibrancy and vitality of the city and its people.
##Interpretation
"Cosmopolitan Greetings" is a highly interpretive poem that invites a variety of readings and perspectives. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a call to action for social and political change. Ginsberg's references to historical events and figures suggest that he sees his work as part of a larger struggle for justice and freedom.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of existence and the human condition. Through his references to religion and spirituality, Ginsberg invites readers to contemplate the meaning of life and the possibility of transcendence.
Overall, "Cosmopolitan Greetings" is a powerful and complex poem that speaks to a variety of themes and concerns. Through its use of literary devices and stylistic diversity, the poem creates a sense of inclusivity and invites readers to engage with its message on multiple levels.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Cosmopolitan Greetings: An Ode to the World
Allen Ginsberg, the iconic American poet, is known for his radical and experimental approach to poetry. His works are often characterized by their rawness, honesty, and unapologetic political commentary. One of his most famous poems, Cosmopolitan Greetings, is a perfect example of his unique style. Written in 1986, the poem is a celebration of diversity, freedom, and the human spirit. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with a powerful declaration: "Greetings from the land of the free, home of the brave." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the American spirit of liberty and democracy. However, Ginsberg quickly moves beyond the narrow confines of American exceptionalism and embraces a more universal perspective. He writes, "Greetings from the people here to the people there, greetings from us to you." This line establishes the poem's central theme, which is the interconnectedness of all human beings.
Ginsberg's cosmopolitan vision is reflected in the poem's structure. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which is dedicated to a different part of the world. The first section is dedicated to America, the second to Europe, the third to Africa, the fourth to Asia, the fifth to Australia, and the sixth to the whole world. This structure reflects Ginsberg's belief that we are all citizens of the world, and that our differences should be celebrated rather than feared.
The poem is also characterized by its use of repetition and alliteration. Ginsberg repeats the phrase "greetings" throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and connection. He also uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the section dedicated to Africa, he writes, "Greetings from the Congo, the heart of Africa, where the river runs down from the mountains, where the gorillas sing." The repetition of the "g" sound in "Greetings," "Congo," "heart," "gorillas," and "sing" creates a rhythmic and melodic effect.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its political commentary. Ginsberg was a vocal critic of American imperialism and the military-industrial complex. In Cosmopolitan Greetings, he takes aim at the Reagan administration and its policies. He writes, "Greetings from the war against ourselves which we call the war against terrorism, which is the war against the poor, to make them richer, and the war against the earth, which we call the war against pollution, to make it cleaner." This line is a scathing indictment of the hypocrisy of American foreign policy, which claims to be fighting for freedom and democracy while waging wars that only serve the interests of the wealthy and powerful.
However, Ginsberg's political commentary is not limited to America. He also criticizes the oppressive regimes in other parts of the world. In the section dedicated to Asia, he writes, "Greetings from the land of the Buddha, where the generals have turned the wheel of the law into the wheel of the sword." This line refers to the military dictatorship in Burma, which was notorious for its human rights abuses. Ginsberg's condemnation of the Burmese regime is a reminder that oppression and injustice exist everywhere, and that we must fight against them wherever we find them.
Despite its political commentary, Cosmopolitan Greetings is ultimately a poem about hope and optimism. Ginsberg celebrates the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. In the section dedicated to Australia, he writes, "Greetings from the land of the Aborigine, where the dreamtime still sings, where the spirits still dance." This line is a tribute to the indigenous people of Australia, who have survived centuries of colonization and oppression. Ginsberg's recognition of their culture and traditions is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something worth celebrating.
In conclusion, Cosmopolitan Greetings is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of the human race. Ginsberg's use of repetition, alliteration, and political commentary creates a poem that is both musical and thought-provoking. The poem's structure reflects Ginsberg's belief in the universality of human experience, and his celebration of the resilience and creativity of the human spirit is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. Cosmopolitan Greetings is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and its message of unity and hope is more important than ever.
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