Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Allen Ginsberg's poem "Thoughts Sitting Breathing" is a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of personal and global experiences, blending introspection with social and political commentary. The poem’s structure, characterized by a series of invocations—"OM," "MA," "NI," "PA," "DMI," and "HUM"—serves as both a spiritual and rhythmic framework, guiding readers through Ginsberg’s reflections and visions.

The poem begins with "OM," the universal sound of creation and a symbol of the infinite. Here, Ginsberg juxtaposes the serene connotations of "OM" with the material excesses of modern life: "the pride of perfumed money, music food from China, a place to sit quiet." This opening sets the tone for the entire poem, where spiritual contemplation is contrasted with the complexities and corruptions of the material world.

In the invocation "MA," Ginsberg expresses jealousy towards the military-industrial complex, symbolized by "the million Pentagon myrmidons with dollar billions to spend on Rock & Roll, restaurant high thrones in sky filled with Electric Bombers." The imagery underscores the absurdity and destructive nature of military expenditure, especially when juxtaposed with the "thin stomached Vietnamese boy," highlighting the stark inequalities perpetuated by war and greed.

The following sections, "NI" and "PA," delve into Ginsberg's more personal and corporeal experiences. "NI" explores sensuality and desire, vividly describing the lust he feels for "the pink tender prick’d school-boy upstairs bedroom naked with his books." This raw honesty about his sexual longing is balanced by a profound awareness of nature and the everyday life surrounding him in "PA": "cat meows natural words at the window, dog barks cheerful morn, cockroach feelers touch the wall."

"DMI" and "HUM" shift back to a broader socio-political critique. In "DMI," Ginsberg reflects on poverty, addiction, and the consequences of imperialism: "alone the misery, the broken legs of carcrash alcohol, gimme another cigarette, I ain’t got a dime for coffee, got no rupee for rice." The imagery here is stark and poignant, capturing the desperation and hopelessness experienced by many.

"HUM" brings the poem to a climactic denunciation of hate and violence. Ginsberg lambastes the institutions and figures that perpetuate suffering, from the CIA to Nixon, from Wall Street to the Pentagon. This section is particularly powerful in its use of visceral and scatological imagery to depict the rejection of hatred and war: "I shit out my hate thru my asshole, My sphincter loosens the void, all hell’s legions fall thru space, the Pentagon is destroyed."

The poem’s cyclical nature, returning to "OM" at its conclusion, symbolizes the perpetual struggle between the material and the spiritual, the personal and the political. Ginsberg’s reflections on the potential for peace and bliss amidst chaos are encapsulated in the repeated phrase, "free space for Causeless Bliss." This refrain serves as both a personal mantra and a universal aspiration, urging a return to simplicity, compassion, and mindfulness.

"Thoughts Sitting Breathing" thus functions as a meditation on the state of the world and Ginsberg's place within it. The poem’s vivid imagery and rhythmic invocations create a powerful contrast between the serenity of spiritual practice and the turmoil of contemporary existence. Ginsberg’s ability to weave together the personal, political, and spiritual realms invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the broader societal structures they inhabit, ultimately seeking a path towards inner peace and collective harmony.

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