Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's poem "After Lalon" reflects on the poet's life, spirituality, and impending mortality. The poem is structured as a series of introspective vignettes, each revealing different aspects of Ginsberg's thoughts and experiences as he confronts the end of his life. Through candid self-reflection, Ginsberg engages with themes of attachment, the passage of time, and the quest for meaning.

I

The poem opens with a contemplation of youthful warnings: "It's true I got caught in the world / When I was young Blake tipped me off / Other teachers followed: / Better prepare for Death / Don't get entangled with possessions." These lines establish a dichotomy between the ideal advice received in youth and the reality of Ginsberg's current situation. Despite the early guidance to avoid attachment and prepare for death, Ginsberg finds himself entangled with "a million books a million thoughts a million dollars a million loves." This enumeration underscores the weight of his accumulated experiences and possessions, highlighting the difficulty of detachment.

II

In the second section, Ginsberg reflects on the teachings of a lover: "I sat at the foot of a Lover and he told me everything / Fuck off, 23 skidoo, watch your ass, watch your step / exercise, meditate, think of your temper." The irreverent and practical advice contrasts with the poet's current predicament as an old man facing the uncertainty of his remaining time. Ginsberg's existential musings—"Maybe the next second I'll be carried off to rebirth the worm farm, maybe it's already happened"—express a sense of resignation and the ephemeral nature of life.

III

The third section delves into Ginsberg's career and personal sacrifices: "It's 2 A.M. and I got to get up early and taxi 20 miles to satisfy my ambition- / How'd I get into this fix, this workaholic show-biz meditation market?" Ginsberg laments the trade-offs made for success and recognition, suggesting that he may have lost touch with deeper spiritual aspirations. The repetition of "If I had" emphasizes the poet's sense of regret and missed opportunities for genuine fulfillment.

IV

In the fourth section, Ginsberg confronts his sleeplessness and the proximity of death: "Sleepless I stay up & think about my Death— / certainly it's nearer than when I was ten years old and wondered how big the universe was." This contemplation of mortality contrasts with the youthful curiosity about the universe, underscoring the shift from wonder to existential anxiety. The poet grapples with the tension between rest and the pursuit of salvation, reflecting the paradox of seeking peace while being preoccupied with the end.

V

The fifth section presents a vivid and symbolic scenario: "Then they came for me, I hid in the toilet stall / They broke down the toilet door / It fell in on an innocent boy." This scene of mistaken identity and escape conveys the poet's fear of being caught or held accountable. Ginsberg's questions—"Am I myself or some one else or nobody at all?"—explore the fluidity of identity and the inevitability of facing one's true self.

VI

The final section is a lamentation of missed opportunities: "I had my chance and lost it, many chances & didn't take them seriously enuf." Ginsberg acknowledges his fear of losing the "immortal chance" and warns others not to follow his path to "extinction." This candid admission highlights the poet's recognition of his own shortcomings and the importance of heeding spiritual guidance.

"After Lalon" is a profound and introspective poem that captures Allen Ginsberg's reflections on life, death, and spiritual aspirations. Through its candid self-examination and exploration of existential themes, the poem invites readers to consider their own paths and the importance of living authentically and mindfully. Ginsberg's blend of humor, regret, and insight offers a compelling meditation on the human condition and the quest for meaning in the face of mortality.

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