Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Is About” is a whirlwind exploration of identity, societal roles, and the essence of various cultural icons and concepts. It is a poem that seeks to distill the essence of complex ideas into simple, yet profound statements. Through a series of declarative sentences, Ginsberg offers a commentary on the nature of individuals, institutions, and ideologies, creating a tapestry that reflects the chaotic and multifaceted nature of human existence.

The poem opens with bold statements about well-known figures and entities: "Dylan is about the Individual against the whole of creation / Beethoven is about one man’s fist in the lightning clouds." Here, Ginsberg positions Bob Dylan and Beethoven as symbols of rebellion and defiance, each standing alone against the vastness of the universe. Dylan represents the struggle of the individual, while Beethoven embodies the passionate assertion of personal will against the forces of nature.

Ginsberg’s reference to the Pope shifts the focus to more contemporary and contentious issues: "The Pope is about abortion & the spirits of the dead." This line encapsulates the Pope’s influence on deeply personal and moral matters, suggesting the weight of religious authority on issues of life and death. Similarly, his take on television is a critique of modern passivity: "Television is about people sitting in their living room looking at their things." This line underscores the theme of consumerism and the superficial engagement of people with their lives, mediated through the screen.

The poem then expands to a broader cultural and national commentary: "America is about being a big Country full of Cowboys Indians Jews Negroes & Americans Orientals Chicanos Factories skyscrapers Niagara Falls Steel Mills radios homeless Conservatives, don’t forget Russia is about Tzars Stalin Poetry Secret Police Communism barefoot in the snow." In these lines, Ginsberg captures the diversity and contradictions within America, juxtaposing the idealized imagery of cowboys and skyscrapers with the stark realities of homelessness and political conservatism. Similarly, his depiction of Russia is a collage of historical and cultural references, reflecting its complex and often tumultuous history.

Ginsberg’s poem is also a meditation on the nature of concepts and reality: "But that’s not really Russia it’s a concept / A concept is about how to look at the earth from the moon without ever getting there." This philosophical reflection suggests that our understanding of the world is shaped by abstract concepts rather than direct experience. This idea is further explored through the metaphor of the moon, which symbolizes love, werewolves, and Poe’s gothic imagination.

In a humorous turn, Ginsberg addresses the trivialization of profound subjects: "Everything is about something if you’re a thin movie producer chainsmoking muggles." This line critiques the reduction of complex ideas to simplistic narratives by the entertainment industry, a theme that resonates throughout the poem.

Ginsberg’s exploration of the world and its troubles is encapsulated in his sweeping statement: "The world is about overpopulation, Imperial invasions, Biocide, Genocide, Fratricidal Wars, Starvation, Holocaust, mass injury & murder, high technology Super science, atom Nuclear Neutron Hydrogen detritus, Radiation Compassion Buddha, Alchemy." This rapid-fire listing of global issues presents a grim view of the world, tempered slightly by the mention of compassion and spiritual practices.

The poem then turns to the theme of communication and control: "Communication is about monopoly television radio movie newspaper spin on Earth, i.e. planetary censorship." This line criticizes the monopolization of media and the resulting censorship that shapes public perception.

In a meta-poetic twist, Ginsberg reflects on his own role and that of his audience: "Allen Ginsberg is about confused mind writing down newspaper headlines from Mars— / The audience is about salvation, the listeners are about sex, Spiritual gymnastics, nostalgia for the Steam Engine & Pony Express." This self-aware statement acknowledges the poet’s struggle to make sense of the world and the varied interests and desires of his audience.

The poem concludes with a return to the theme of individual significance: "Who cares what it’s all about? I do! Edgar Allan Poe cares! Shelley cares! Beethoven & Dylan care. Do you care? What are you about or are you a human being with 10 fingers & two eyes?" Here, Ginsberg challenges the reader to consider their own place and purpose in the world, urging a reflection on personal and collective responsibility.

"Is About" is a rich and layered poem that captures the complexity of human identity and societal issues. Through his unique blend of humor, critique, and philosophical inquiry, Ginsberg invites readers to engage deeply with the world and question the nature of their own existence.

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