Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Wieners’ "2nd Communique for the Heads" exemplifies his distinctive voice, blending personal vulnerability with a declaration of poetic purpose. This brief but potent piece acts as both a manifesto and an intimate confession, exploring Wieners’ deep connection to his audience and his identity as a poet.

The opening declaration—“I love my fellow poets. / But I do not write for them. I write for heads.”—establishes a clear dichotomy. Wieners expresses admiration for other poets but distances himself from the notion of writing exclusively for their approval. Instead, he aligns himself with heads, a term evocative of counterculture movements and the Beat Generation, connoting those who explore expanded consciousness, often through art, music, or altered states. This choice reflects Wieners’ alignment with the unconventional and his desire to reach beyond literary circles to a broader, more visceral audience.

Wieners’ direct address to heads—“They who stick your necks up into outerspace”—imbues the poem with a sense of cosmic ambition. This imagery captures both a literal reaching upward and a metaphorical transcendence. These individuals, unbound by societal constraints, become figures of inspiration and communion. The poet places them in opposition to more traditional audiences, signaling his intent to resonate with those who seek liberation and boundary-pushing experiences.

The poem’s tone shifts from universal to personal as Wieners admits: “I can do nothing but write. I starve, and have no roof over my head.” This stark confession underscores the sacrifices intrinsic to his poetic vocation. For Wieners, writing is not just a craft but a compulsion, a means of survival despite its costs. The mention of friends who take me in adds a layer of poignancy, illustrating his reliance on the generosity of others—a precarious existence sustained by fleeting connections and shared understanding.

Wieners’ declaration of identity—“I travel everywhere. I am as air.”—reflects a profound sense of fluidity. This line portrays him as both untethered and omnipresent, embodying the essence of the wandering poet. His description of being puffed up with myself as a crow injects a note of self-awareness, acknowledging the ego inherent in his artistic pursuit. The reference to a friend / Who is a fellow poet. Traveller. links his personal journey to a broader network of kindred spirits, emphasizing the communal nature of artistic creation.

Throughout the poem, Wieners intersperses raw, unfiltered moments that reflect his improvisational style. Lines like “no matter / ow I falter, or err. It is all here.” reveal his commitment to authenticity over perfection. The image of “the periods... struck in the furnace the same as the chains we all wear around our heads / hair” is particularly striking. Here, punctuation—symbols of structure and control—becomes an artifact of struggle, forged under pressure like the metaphorical chains of societal or personal constraint. This duality encapsulates Wieners’ poetic ethos: creating beauty and meaning from hardship and imperfection.

Ultimately, "2nd Communique for the Heads" serves as a testament to Wieners’ artistic philosophy and his deep empathy for those who inhabit the margins of conventional life. It celebrates the act of creation as both a necessity and a rebellion, addressing an audience that seeks to transcend ordinary existence. Wieners’ raw honesty and vivid imagery transform the poem into a powerful affirmation of his identity as a poet and his commitment to those who, like him, live on the edge of the mainstream. Through this piece, he reminds readers of the enduring value of art as a form of resistance, connection, and self-expression.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...