Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg’s poem "Jaweh and Allah Battle" tackles the complex and intense conflicts between Judaism and Islam, reflecting on the religious, political, and historical dimensions of these tensions. The poem juxtaposes the two Abrahamic religions, invoking their respective deities, practices, and historical narratives to explore themes of identity, power, and the cyclical nature of violence.

The poem begins with a stark depiction of the two deities: "Jaweh with Atom bomb / Allah cuts throat of Infidels." This imagery immediately highlights the violent aspects associated with both religions, suggesting a parallel in their methods of enforcing power and control. Ginsberg’s choice to use such visceral and destructive images sets the tone for a poem that delves deeply into the darker sides of religious fervor and conflict.

Ginsberg invokes historical and biblical references, such as the Red Sea closing over Pharaoh's army and Moses breaking the Tablets of Law, to underscore the ancient and ongoing nature of these conflicts. The lines "Israel's tribes worshipping the Golden Calf / Moses broke the Tablets of Law" connect the present struggles with past transgressions, implying a continuity of human folly and divine retribution.

The poem's invocation of contemporary figures such as Zalmon Schacter, a prominent Jewish scholar, and Sufi Sam, an influential Sufi teacher, juxtaposes modern spiritual leaders with the ancient prophets. This serves to question whether current religious leaders can bridge the divide and bring peace or whether they, too, are caught in the cycle of conflict.

The poem reaches a crescendo with the lines "Both Gods Terrible! Awful Jaweh Allah! / Both hook-nosed gods, circumcized." Here, Ginsberg emphasizes the similarities between the two deities, suggesting that despite their followers' differences, the core aspects of their faiths share common roots. The repetition of "Which stronger Illusion? / Which stronger Army?" further questions the validity and supremacy claimed by each side.

Ginsberg's inclusion of geopolitical and historical references, such as the Stern Gang, Irgun, Al Fatah, Black September, and figures like Golda Meir and Henry Kissinger, grounds the poem in the real-world implications of these religious conflicts. By naming these groups and individuals, Ginsberg connects the ideological battles to the tangible political maneuvers that have shaped the Middle East.

The poem's climax, "HITLER AND STALIN SENT ME HERE! / WEITZMANN & BEN-GURION SENT ME HERE! / NASSER AND SADAT SENT ME HERE! / ARAFAT SENT ME HERE! MESSIAH SENT ME HERE! / GOD SENT ME HERE!" is a powerful litany that illustrates how various historical events and figures, both infamous and revered, have contributed to the current state of affairs. It underscores the collective responsibility and the many layers of causality in the conflict.

In the final stanzas, Ginsberg poignantly reflects on the personal and collective suffering that arises from these conflicts. The lines "The New York Times and Cairo Editorialist Heykal sent me here! / Commentary and Palestine Review sent me here!" critique the role of media and public discourse in perpetuating divisions. The poem ends with a plea for unity and peace, invoking the sacred chants from both religions: "Shema Yisroel Adonoi Eluhenu Adonoi Echad! / La ilah illa' Allah hu! / OY! AH! HU! OY! AH! HU! / SHALOM! SHANTIH! SALAAM!"

"Jaweh and Allah Battle" is a powerful and layered poem that confronts the reader with the cyclical and pervasive nature of religious and political conflict. Ginsberg’s use of historical, religious, and contemporary references weaves a complex tapestry that challenges the reader to consider the roots and consequences of such divisions. Through his evocative language and profound insights, Ginsberg calls for a deeper understanding and a move towards peace and reconciliation.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...