Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's "Hymmnn", from “Kaddish”,  is a profound and evocative piece that intertwines the sacred with the profane, exploring themes of creation, suffering, and the inevitability of death. The poem is structured as a litany of blessings, reminiscent of Jewish prayers, which repetitively invoke blessings upon various aspects of life and death, drawing attention to the omnipresence of the divine in every experience, no matter how joyous or painful.

The poem begins with a traditional invocation, "In the world which He has created according to his will / Blessed Praised Magnified Lauded Exalted the Name of the Holy One Blessed is He!" This sets a tone of reverence and worship, echoing the language of religious texts. Ginsberg uses this structure to explore a wide range of human experiences and conditions, each time reaffirming the presence of the divine with "Blessed is He!"

As the poem progresses, Ginsberg moves from the general to the specific, blessing the divine presence in various locations and states of being. He blesses God in mundane and extraordinary places alike: "In the house in Newark / Blessed is He! / In the madhouse / Blessed is He! / In the house of Death / Blessed is He!" By doing so, Ginsberg sanctifies these spaces, suggesting that the divine is not limited to traditional sacred spaces but is equally present in places of suffering and madness.

Ginsberg's blessings extend to conditions often seen as negative or taboo. He blesses God in "homosexuality" and "Paranoia," challenging societal norms and prejudices. This inclusive approach reflects Ginsberg's broader themes of acceptance and the intrinsic value of all human experiences. It also speaks to his own life and struggles, as Ginsberg was openly homosexual and often dealt with mental health issues within his family.

The poem becomes intensely personal as Ginsberg addresses his mother, Naomi, who suffered from mental illness. "Blessed be you Naomi in tears! / Blessed be you Naomi in fears! / Blessed Blessed Blessed in sickness!" Ginsberg's repeated blessings for Naomi highlight her suffering and the unconditional love he has for her. The poem acknowledges her "failure," "stroke," and "last years’ loneliness," offering a poignant recognition of her pain and resilience.

In the closing lines, Ginsberg shifts his focus to death, blessing it repeatedly: "Blessed be Naomi in Death! / Blessed be Death! / Blessed be Death!" This culmination underscores the inevitability and universality of death. Ginsberg's blessing of death itself serves as an acceptance of the natural order and a recognition of the peace it can bring.

Ginsberg’s use of repetition and anaphora throughout the poem emphasizes the continuous and all-encompassing nature of the divine. By blessing every aspect of existence, including those that are painful or marginalized, Ginsberg creates a liturgy of radical acceptance. He challenges the reader to see the sacred in all things, even in suffering and death.

"Hymmnn" is a powerful testament to Ginsberg's belief in the sanctity of all aspects of life. It combines the reverence of religious ritual with the rawness of human experience, creating a piece that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through this poem, Ginsberg elevates the everyday struggles and triumphs of humanity, insisting on the presence of the divine in every moment and experience.

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