'The Lion For Real' by Allen Ginsberg
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"Soyez muette pour moi, Idole contemplative..."
I came home and found a lion in my living room
Rushed out on the fire escape screaming Lion! Lion!
Two stenographers pulled their brunnette hair and banged the window shut
I hurried home to Patterson and stayed two days
Called up old Reichian analyst
who'd kicked me out of therapy for smoking marijuana
'It's happened' I panted 'There's a Lion in my living room'
'I'm afraid any discussion would have no value' he hung up
I went to my old boyfriend we got drunk with his girlfriend
I kissed him and announced I had a lion with a mad gleam in my eye
We wound up fighting on the floor I bit his eyebrow he kicked me out
I ended up masturbating in his jeep parked in the street moaning 'Lion.'
Found Joey my novelist friend and roared at him 'Lion!'
He looked at me interested and read me his spontaneous ignu high poetries
I listened for lions all I heard was Elephant Tiglon Hippogriff Unicorn
Ants
But figured he really understood me when we made it in Ignaz Wisdom's
bathroom.
But next day he sent me a leaf from his Smoky Mountain retreat
'I love you little Bo-Bo with your delicate golden lions
But there being no Self and No Bars therefore the Zoo of your dear Father
hath no lion
You said your mother was mad don't expect me to produce the Monster for
your Bridegroom.'
Confused dazed and exalted bethought me of real lion starved in his stink
in Harlem
Opened the door the room was filled with the bomb blast of his anger
He roaring hungrily at the plaster walls but nobody could hear outside
thru the window
My eye caught the edge of the red neighbor apartment building standing in
deafening stillness
We gazed at each other his implacable yellow eye in the red halo of fur
Waxed rhuemy on my own but he stopped roaring and bared a fang
greeting.
I turned my back and cooked broccoli for supper on an iron gas stove
boilt water and took a hot bath in the old tup under the sink board.
He didn't eat me, tho I regretted him starving in my presence.
Next week he wasted away a sick rug full of bones wheaten hair falling out
enraged and reddening eye as he lay aching huge hairy head on his paws
by the egg-crate bookcase filled up with thin volumes of Plato, & Buddha.
Sat by his side every night averting my eyes from his hungry motheaten
face
stopped eating myself he got weaker and roared at night while I had
nightmares
Eaten by lion in bookstore on Cosmic Campus, a lion myself starved by
Professor Kandisky, dying in a lion's flophouse circus,
I woke up mornings the lion still added dying on the floor--'Terrible
Presence!'I cried'Eat me or die!'
It got up that afternoon--walked to the door with its paw on the south wall to
steady its trembling body
Let out a soul-rending creak from the bottomless roof of his mouth
thundering from my floor to heaven heavier than a volcano at night in
Mexico
Pushed the door open and said in a gravelly voice "Not this time Baby--
but I will be back again."
Lion that eats my mind now for a decade knowing only your hunger
Not the bliss of your satisfaction O roar of the universe how am I chosen
In this life I have heard your promise I am ready to die I have served
Your starved and ancient Presence O Lord I wait in my room at your
Mercy.
Paris, March 1958
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Lion For Real: A Masterpiece of Contemporary Poetry
If you are an avid fan of contemporary poetry, you must have heard of Allen Ginsberg. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and challenge readers today. One of his most notable poems is "The Lion For Real," a masterpiece that deserves a detailed literary criticism and interpretation. In this article, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and meanings of this incredible work of art.
Overview of the Poem
First things first, let's have a brief overview of the poem. "The Lion For Real" is a free verse poem that consists of 68 lines. It was first published in 1958 as part of Ginsberg's collection of poems, "Howl and Other Poems." The poem is narrated by a lion that speaks in the first person. The lion is not a literal animal, but rather a representation of power, strength, and sexuality - all attributes that Ginsberg associated with the lion.
Themes of the Poem
One of the most prominent themes of "The Lion For Real" is power. Throughout the poem, the lion speaks of its immense power and strength, which it uses to control and dominate its environment. The lion is portrayed as a symbol of male dominance and aggression, which can be interpreted as a critique of patriarchal systems that perpetuate male power and control.
Another theme that runs through the poem is sexuality. The lion speaks of its sexual prowess and virility, which is emphasized by its description of the "long red cock of the lion." This sexual imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the primal and instinctual nature of human sexuality, which is often repressed or denied in civilized society.
In addition to power and sexuality, the poem also touches on themes of identity and existence. The lion questions its own identity and purpose, asking, "Who am I, what am I doing?" This existential questioning is a common theme in Ginsberg's work, as he often grapples with the meaning and purpose of life in a chaotic and uncertain world.
Literary Devices Used in the Poem
Now that we have explored the themes of "The Lion For Real," let's take a closer look at the literary devices that Ginsberg uses to convey these themes. One of the most notable devices is the use of imagery. Ginsberg's descriptions of the lion are vivid and visceral, painting a picture of the animal's power and strength. For example, the lion is described as having "a gold head, a mane of gold, a dark-red body," which creates a powerful visual image in the reader's mind.
Another literary device that Ginsberg employs is repetition. Throughout the poem, the lion repeats the phrase "I am the lion" several times, emphasizing its identity and power. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem, drawing the reader in and adding to the overall impact of the work.
Finally, Ginsberg uses metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings in the poem. The lion can be seen as a symbol of male power and dominance, while the sexual imagery represents the primal and instinctual nature of human sexuality. These metaphors and symbols add layers of complexity to the poem, inviting readers to explore its themes and meanings more deeply.
Interpretation of the Poem
So what does "The Lion For Real" mean? As with any great work of art, there is no one definitive interpretation. However, one possible reading of the poem is as a critique of patriarchal systems that perpetuate male dominance and aggression. The lion's emphasis on its power and sexuality can be seen as a reflection of the ways in which men are socialized to value these traits above all else, often to the detriment of others.
At the same time, the poem can also be read as a celebration of the primal and instinctual nature of humanity. The lion's embrace of its own power and sexuality can be seen as an invitation to embrace our own primal instincts, rather than repressing or denying them. This interpretation is in line with Ginsberg's broader philosophy, which emphasized the importance of individual freedom and authenticity in the face of societal norms and expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Lion For Real" is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that continues to inspire and challenge readers today. Through its vivid imagery, repetition, and use of metaphor and symbolism, the poem explores themes of power, sexuality, identity, and existence. While there is no one definitive interpretation of the poem, it can be read as a critique of patriarchal systems that perpetuate male dominance and aggression, as well as a celebration of the primal and instinctual nature of humanity. Whatever your interpretation, "The Lion For Real" is a work of art that demands to be read and appreciated for its depth, complexity, and beauty.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Lion For Real: A Poem of Power and Vulnerability
Allen Ginsberg's poem "The Lion For Real" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of power, vulnerability, and identity. Written in 1958, the poem is a reflection on the nature of the lion as a symbol of strength and courage, and the human desire to embody these qualities. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Ginsberg creates a portrait of the lion that is both majestic and vulnerable, and invites the reader to consider the complexities of human nature.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the lion directly, asking him if he is "for real." This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker seeks to understand the true nature of the lion and what it represents. The lion is described as "the king of the jungle," a symbol of power and dominance that has been revered by humans for centuries. However, the speaker also acknowledges the lion's vulnerability, describing him as "a trembling cat" and "a lonely monster."
This juxtaposition of power and vulnerability is a central theme of the poem, and reflects the human desire to be both strong and vulnerable at the same time. The speaker seems to be searching for a way to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory qualities, and to find a way to embody them both. This is evident in lines such as "I want to be the lion's consort" and "I want to be the lion's bride."
The poem also explores the idea of identity, and the ways in which we define ourselves in relation to others. The speaker describes himself as "a human being," but also as "the lion's bride" and "the lion's consort." This suggests that his identity is not fixed, but rather is shaped by his relationship to the lion. The lion, in turn, is also defined by his relationship to the speaker and to other humans. He is both a symbol of power and a creature in need of protection and care.
Throughout the poem, Ginsberg uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the lion's power and majesty. He describes the lion's "golden mane" and "fierce eyes," and portrays him as a creature to be feared and respected. However, he also uses language that suggests the lion's vulnerability and loneliness. The lion is described as "a trembling cat" and "a lonely monster," suggesting that even the most powerful creatures can be vulnerable and in need of care.
The poem also contains a sense of urgency and desperation, as the speaker seeks to understand the true nature of the lion and to find a way to embody his power and vulnerability. This is evident in lines such as "I want to be the lion's consort" and "I want to be the lion's bride," which suggest a deep longing to be connected to something greater than oneself. The speaker seems to be searching for a way to transcend his own limitations and to become something more than just a human being.
In conclusion, "The Lion For Real" is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of power, vulnerability, and identity. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Ginsberg creates a portrait of the lion that is both majestic and vulnerable, and invites the reader to consider the complexities of human nature. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and to inspire us to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
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