Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "In Back of the Real" is a concise yet profound meditation on the juxtaposition of nature and industry. Set against the backdrop of a railroad yard in San Jose, the poem delves into themes of desolation, beauty, and the resilience of life amidst decay.

The poem begins with the poet wandering through a desolate railroad yard near a tank factory, immediately establishing a bleak industrial setting. This imagery evokes a sense of loneliness and abandonment, as the poet finds himself in a space dominated by machinery and devoid of natural beauty. The starkness of the environment sets the stage for the central symbol of the poem: the "dread hay flower."

The flower, found lying on the asphalt highway, becomes a focal point of Ginsberg's meditation. Described with meticulous detail, the flower possesses a "brittle black stem" and a "corolla of yellowish dirty spikes." Its appearance is reminiscent of a crown of thorns, evoking the imagery of Jesus' crucifixion. This comparison imbues the flower with a sense of suffering and martyrdom, suggesting that it is a survivor in a hostile environment.

Ginsberg's description of the flower's "soiled dry center cotton tuft" likens it to a "used shaving brush that's been lying under the garage for a year." This simile emphasizes the flower's neglected and forgotten state, further underscoring the theme of desolation. Despite its unappealing appearance, Ginsberg recognizes the flower's inherent beauty and resilience, referring to it as a "flower nonetheless." This acknowledgment highlights the poet's ability to find significance and worth in even the most overlooked and unassuming aspects of life.

The phrase "flower of industry" juxtaposes the natural world with the industrial landscape, suggesting that this resilient flower is a product of the very environment that threatens to destroy it. The flower's tough and spiky form symbolizes the harshness of industrialization, yet its continued existence amidst the asphalt and machinery speaks to the persistence of life. Ginsberg's recognition of the flower's beauty—despite its ugliness—serves as a metaphor for the enduring human spirit and the potential for redemption and renewal in even the most unlikely places.

In the concluding lines, Ginsberg elevates the flower to a universal symbol, referring to it as the "great yellow Rose in your brain." This metaphor suggests that the flower, though physically unremarkable, holds a deeper significance in the human mind. It represents the idea that beauty and resilience can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the natural world can coexist with the industrial one.

Ultimately, "In Back of the Real" is a testament to Ginsberg's ability to find meaning and beauty in the mundane and the neglected. Through his vivid and evocative imagery, he invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of nature and industry, and to recognize the enduring power of life in the face of adversity. The poem stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for finding beauty in even the most desolate landscapes.

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