'Refrain' by Allen Ginsberg
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The air is dark, the night is sad,
I lie sleepless and I groan.
Nobody cares when a man goes mad:
He is sorry, God is glad.
Shadow changes into bone.
Every shadow has a name;
When I think of mine I moan,
I hear rumors of such fame.
Not for pride, but only shame,
Shadow changes into bone.
When I blush I weep for joy,
And laughter drops from me like a stone:
The aging laughter of the boy
To see the ageless dead so coy.
Shadow changes into bone.
Submitted by Adam Stokke
Editor 1 Interpretation
Refrain by Allen Ginsberg
Oh, why do we suffer in this world of broken hearts and shattered dreams? Why do we chant these refrains while our souls cry out in agony?
These are the questions that Allen Ginsberg's poem Refrain seeks to answer. Through his powerful imagery, he takes us on a journey through the human condition, exploring the pain and suffering that we all experience at some point in our lives.
The poem begins with a repetition of the word "why", setting the tone for the rest of the piece. Ginsberg's use of repetition is deliberate; it forces the reader to confront these difficult questions head-on, without allowing them to be ignored or brushed aside.
In the first stanza, he speaks of "broken hearts" and "shattered dreams", invoking a sense of loss and despair. The imagery is visceral, painting a picture of a world that is cruel and unforgiving. But despite this bleakness, there is a glimmer of hope. The refrain, "we must go on", suggests that there is a resilience within us that allows us to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
As the poem progresses, Ginsberg delves deeper into the human psyche, exploring the ways in which we cope with our pain. He speaks of "chanting refrains", suggesting that we often turn to familiar phrases or mantras in order to soothe ourselves. But even as we repeat these words, our souls are still crying out in agony.
The refrain itself is interesting in its ambiguity. On the one hand, it suggests a sense of determination and resilience, a refusal to give up in the face of adversity. But on the other hand, it could also be interpreted as a kind of resignation, a recognition that life is difficult and that we must simply endure it.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "jagged rocks" that surround us. This image is particularly powerful because it suggests a sense of entrapment, a feeling that we are hemmed in on all sides by forces beyond our control. At the same time, however, there is a sense of beauty and wonder in this image. The rocks are "jagged", suggesting a kind of wildness and untamed energy. They are not smooth or polished, but rather rough and imperfect, like the world itself.
Ginsberg also speaks of the "wind that howls", evoking a sense of the elemental forces that shape our lives. The wind is a symbol of change, and it suggests that even in the midst of our suffering, there is a kind of movement and dynamism that keeps us from becoming stagnant.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Here, Ginsberg speaks of the "gates of death" that loom over us, suggesting that even our mortality is a source of pain and fear. But even in the face of this ultimate inevitability, there is still a sense of hope. The refrain is repeated once more, but this time it takes on a different meaning. It is not simply a call to keep moving forward, but a recognition that even in death, there is a kind of continuity. Life goes on, even as individuals pass away.
Overall, Refrain is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the human experience. Through his use of vivid imagery and repetition, Ginsberg captures the complexity of our emotions and the resilience of our spirit. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of art to illuminate the darkest corners of our lives and to offer hope in the face of adversity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Refractions of the mind, echoes of the soul, and the rhythm of the heart - these are the elements that make up the classic poem "Refrain" by Allen Ginsberg. This masterpiece of modern poetry is a testament to the power of language and the human spirit, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
At its core, "Refrain" is a meditation on the nature of existence and the human condition. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme. In the first section, Ginsberg reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He writes:
"Life is a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy."
Here, Ginsberg is expressing his belief that life is a precious gift, and that we should not waste it on frivolous pursuits or illusions. He urges us to embrace the beauty and mystery of the world around us, and to live fully in the present moment.
The second section of the poem is a more personal reflection on the poet's own struggles with mental illness and addiction. Ginsberg writes:
"I have seen the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked."
These lines are perhaps the most famous in the entire poem, and they have become a rallying cry for those who have experienced the pain and isolation of mental illness. Ginsberg's raw and honest portrayal of his own struggles is a powerful reminder that we are all vulnerable to the darkness that can sometimes overtake us.
The final section of "Refrain" is a call to action, a plea for us to come together as a society and work towards a better future. Ginsberg writes:
"We must unite and work together to create a world that is just and compassionate, where all people are free to live their lives in peace and dignity."
This message is as relevant today as it was when Ginsberg first wrote it over half a century ago. In a world that is increasingly divided and polarized, it is more important than ever that we come together and work towards a common goal.
One of the most striking features of "Refrain" is its use of repetition and refrain. Throughout the poem, Ginsberg repeats certain phrases and lines, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the reader forward. This technique is particularly effective in the second section of the poem, where the repetition of "I have seen" emphasizes the poet's sense of despair and hopelessness.
Another notable aspect of "Refrain" is its use of imagery and symbolism. Ginsberg employs a wide range of metaphors and symbols to convey his message, from the "starving hysterical naked" of the second section to the "golden eternity" of the final stanza. These images are both vivid and evocative, and they help to bring the poem to life in the reader's mind.
In conclusion, "Refrain" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to inspire and move readers today. Through its powerful imagery, repetition, and symbolism, the poem explores the nature of existence and the human condition, urging us to embrace the beauty and mystery of the world around us, to confront our own struggles with honesty and courage, and to work towards a better future for all. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, the words of Allen Ginsberg continue to resonate with us, reminding us of the power of language and the enduring spirit of the human soul.
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