Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg’s "Cosmopolitan Greetings" is a poetic manifesto that captures the essence of his literary and philosophical ethos, offering guidance and insight to fellow poets and thinkers. Written for the Struga Poetry Evenings, an international poetry festival, in 1986, the poem encapsulates Ginsberg’s thoughts on creativity, perception, and the role of the poet in society.

The poem begins with a bold call to action: "Stand up against governments, against God. / Stay irresponsible. / Say only what we know & imagine." Ginsberg’s imperative to challenge authority and embrace personal responsibility underscores his commitment to individual freedom and authenticity. By advocating for the rejection of external coercion, whether political or religious, he places the onus on the poet to remain true to their own vision and voice.

"Absolutes are coercion. / Change is absolute." This paradox highlights the fluidity of truth and the necessity of adaptability in both thought and expression. Ginsberg’s assertion that "Ordinary mind includes eternal perceptions" suggests that profound insights are accessible within the mundane, and that the everyday consciousness holds the potential for timeless understanding.

The directive to "Observe what’s vivid. / Notice what you notice. / Catch yourself thinking. / Vividness is self-selecting" encourages mindfulness and self-awareness. Ginsberg emphasizes the importance of being present and attentive, trusting that what stands out to the observer is inherently significant. This approach aligns with his advocacy for spontaneous and unfiltered expression.

"If we don’t show anyone, we’re free to write anything. / Remember the future. / Advise only yourself. / Don’t drink yourself to death." These lines stress the importance of creative freedom and personal responsibility. By writing without the constraint of external judgment, one can achieve true artistic liberation. The admonition against self-destruction serves as a reminder to maintain balance and self-care amidst the creative process.

Ginsberg’s reference to scientific principles—"Two molecules clanking against each other require an observer to become scientific data. / The measuring instrument determines the appearance of the phenomenal world after Einstein"—introduces the idea that observation shapes reality. This concept underscores the subjective nature of experience and aligns with his view that "The universe is subjective."

"Walt Whitman celebrated Person. / We are observer, measuring instrument, eye, subject, Person. / Universe is Person." By invoking Whitman, Ginsberg connects his ideas to the transcendentalist tradition, celebrating the individual as both observer and creator of their own reality. The assertion that "Mind is outer space" suggests that the potential for exploration and discovery within one’s own consciousness is boundless.

The lines "‘Each on his bed spoke to himself alone, making no sound.’ / ‘First thought, best thought.’" emphasize the value of introspection and spontaneity. The notion that "Mind is shapely, Art is shapely" and that "Maximum information, minimum number of syllables" reflects Ginsberg’s belief in the power of concise and impactful expression. He advocates for "Intense fragments of spoken idiom, best," highlighting the importance of capturing the essence of language in its most immediate form.

Ginsberg’s focus on the sensory qualities of language—"Consonants around vowels make sense. / Savor vowels, appreciate consonants"—celebrates the musicality and physicality of words. This attention to the sound and texture of language reinforces his commitment to vivid and sensory-rich poetry.

"Subject is known by what she sees. / Others can measure their vision by what we see. / Candor ends paranoia." These lines suggest that transparency and honesty in one’s observations foster mutual understanding and dispel fear and suspicion. By sharing genuine perceptions, poets can help others to see the world more clearly and authentically.

In "Cosmopolitan Greetings," Ginsberg encapsulates his vision of poetry as a tool for personal and social transformation. His exhortations to embrace change, observe vividly, and express candidly serve as a guide for poets seeking to navigate the complexities of the modern world with integrity and creativity. The poem stands as a testament to Ginsberg’s enduring belief in the power of the individual voice and the potential for poetry to illuminate and transform.

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