Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's poem "What Would You Do If You Lost It?" poignantly delves into the transient nature of material possessions and the deeper existential reflections that accompany the contemplation of loss. The poem is rooted in a moment of stark realization, prompted by a question from Rinpoche Chögyam Trungpa Tulku, which serves as a catalyst for Ginsberg to examine his attachments and the impermanence of life.

The poem begins with the recollection of the question, "What would you do if you lost it?" asked by Rinpoche in a glittering marble apartment lobby. This question immediately sets the tone for a contemplative journey, prompting Ginsberg to inventory the contents of his "black hand-box full of Art." The harmonium, scarf, bell, brass lightning bolt, tattered copy of Blake, and other personal treasures symbolize the physical manifestations of his life's work and spiritual journey. These items, imbued with significant personal and cultural value, anchor Ginsberg's reflections on attachment and the inevitable relinquishment of all things.

As the poem progresses, Ginsberg recounts a physical injury—a broken leg—that serves as a potent reminder of his mortality and vulnerability. This incident becomes a moment of epiphany, leading him to weep and reflect on the transient nature of life and the necessity of abandoning everything, including cherished memories and spiritual teachings. The vivid imagery of "snow abandoned, empty dog barks after the dogs have disappeared" evokes a sense of desolation and the stark reality of impermanence.

Ginsberg's enumeration of personal items continues with a blend of mundane and significant objects: a wooden bowl from Haiti, teachings, tantras, haggadahs, and poetic works. Each item represents a fragment of his life and identity, yet he acknowledges their ultimate insignificance in the face of death. The poem's rhythm, driven by the repetition of "goodbye," underscores the inevitability of letting go. This litany of farewells serves as both a cathartic release and a meditation on the Buddhist concept of non-attachment.

The poem transitions into a broader contemplation of Ginsberg's relationships and experiences. He bids farewell to beloved individuals, both living and dead, and to the cities and landscapes that have shaped his life. The mentions of Van Gogh, Naomi, and various poets reflect Ginsberg's deep connections to art, family, and the literary community. These farewells are imbued with a sense of gratitude and reverence, yet they are tinged with the sorrow of impermanence.

Ginsberg extends his reflections to encompass broader spiritual and cosmic themes. He addresses various deities, Buddhas, and celestial beings, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all existence and the ultimate dissolution of individual identity into the vastness of the universe. The invocation of mantras and the farewell to celestial entities underscore the spiritual dimensions of Ginsberg's contemplation.

The poem culminates in a powerful crescendo of farewells, moving from personal possessions and relationships to broader metaphysical and spiritual realms. The final lines, with their invocation of various deities and cosmic forces, reflect a profound acceptance of the inevitability of death and the dissolution of the self. Ginsberg's farewell to "Heaven, Nirvana, sad Paradise" and the celestial realms represents a relinquishment of all attachments, culminating in a profound silence where "no more words for any mind" remain.

"What Would You Do If You Lost It?" is a meditation on the impermanence of life and the necessity of letting go of attachments. Ginsberg's introspective journey, prompted by a simple yet profound question, leads to a deep exploration of the ephemeral nature of material possessions, relationships, and spiritual teachings. The poem's rich imagery, rhythmic structure, and poignant reflections offer a compelling testament to Ginsberg's ability to weave personal experience with broader existential themes, ultimately arriving at a place of acceptance and transcendence.

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