'Haiku (Never Published)' by Allen Ginsberg


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Drinking my tea
Without sugar-
No difference.

The sparrow shits
upside down
--ah! my brain & eggs

Mayan head in a
Pacific driftwood bole
--Someday I'll live in N.Y.

Looking over my shoulder
my behind was covered
with cherry blossoms.

Winter Haiku
I didn't know the names
of the flowers--now
my garden is gone.

I slapped the mosquito
and missed.
What made me do that?

Reading haiku
I am unhappy,
longing for the Nameless.

A frog floating
in the drugstore jar:
summer rain on grey pavements.
(after Shiki)

On the porch
in my shorts;
auto lights in the rain.

Another year
has past-the world
is no different.

The first thing I looked for
in my old garden was
The Cherry Tree.

My old desk:
the first thing I looked for
in my house.

My early journal:
the first thing I found
in my old desk.

My mother's ghost:
the first thing I found
in the living room.

I quit shaving
but the eyes that glanced at me
remained in the mirror.

The madman
emerges from the movies:
the street at lunchtime.

Cities of boys
are in their graves,
and in this town...

Lying on my side
in the void:
the breath in my nose.

On the fifteenth floor
the dog chews a bone-
Screech of taxicabs.

A hardon in New York,
a boy
in San Fransisco.

The moon over the roof,
worms in the garden.
I rent this house.


[Haiku composed in the backyard cottage at 1624
Milvia Street, Berkeley 1955, while reading R.H.
Blyth's 4 volumes, "Haiku."]

Editor 1 Interpretation

Haiku (Never Published) by Allen Ginsberg: A Deeper Look

Are you familiar with the works of Allen Ginsberg? If you are, then you probably know that he is famous for writing poems that are reflective of the Beat Generation. But did you know that he also wrote haikus?

Yes, Allen Ginsberg did write haikus, and one of them is "Haiku (Never Published)." This poem is a perfect example of how Ginsberg was not just a poet who wrote about the counterculture movement, but also a poet who was able to express himself in different forms of poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at "Haiku (Never Published)" and explore its themes, structure, and meaning.

Structure and Form

One of the most striking things about "Haiku (Never Published)" is its structure. As its title suggests, it is a haiku, and it follows the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern. The poem reads:

White smoke-garden dawn

Foghorn sound over the bay

Pink sky seagulls fly

The form of the haiku is important because it adds to the poem's overall effect. The 5-7-5 pattern creates a certain rhythm that is pleasing to the ear. The use of three lines also gives the poem a sense of balance and completeness.

But the structure of the haiku is not the only thing that makes it stand out. The form of the poem also reflects its content.

Themes and Meaning

"Haiku (Never Published)" is a poem that is full of imagery. It creates a vivid picture of a scene that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem starts with "White smoke-garden dawn," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The white smoke and garden dawn create an image of peace and tranquility. But this tranquility is soon interrupted by the "Foghorn sound over the bay."

The use of the word "Foghorn" adds a sense of foreboding to the poem. It suggests that something is about to happen, that the tranquility of the scene is about to be disrupted. The sound of the foghorn is also an auditory image that adds to the overall effect of the poem.

The final line of the poem, "Pink sky seagulls fly," suggests that the disruption has already happened. The pink sky creates an image of beauty, but the seagulls flying suggest that they are fleeing from something. The poem ends on a note of ambiguity, leaving the reader to wonder what has happened.

So what is the meaning of "Haiku (Never Published)"? The poem can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible interpretation is that it is a reflection of the fragility of peace. The scene created in the poem is beautiful, but it is also vulnerable. The sound of the foghorn disrupts the tranquility and the seagulls fleeing suggest that the scene has been permanently altered.

The Influence of Zen

To fully understand "Haiku (Never Published)," it is important to consider the influence of Zen Buddhism on Allen Ginsberg. Zen Buddhism emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and being mindful of one's surroundings. It also emphasizes the importance of simplicity and minimalism.

These elements are reflected in "Haiku (Never Published)." The poem is simple and minimalistic, yet it creates a vivid image of a scene. It also captures a moment in time, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Haiku (Never Published)" is a beautiful and haunting poem that reflects the fragility of peace. Its simple structure and vivid imagery create a powerful effect that leaves the reader wondering what has happened. The poem is also influenced by Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and being mindful of one's surroundings. Overall, "Haiku (Never Published)" is a perfect example of how Allen Ginsberg was not just a poet of the Beat Generation, but also a poet who was able to express himself in different forms of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Haiku (Never Published) by Allen Ginsberg is a classic poem that captures the essence of the traditional Japanese haiku form while also incorporating the poet's unique style and voice. In this 17-syllable poem, Ginsberg explores themes of nature, impermanence, and the human experience.

The poem begins with the line "Autumn moonlight," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "autumn" suggests a sense of change and transition, as this season is often associated with the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The word "moonlight" adds a layer of mystery and beauty to the scene, as the moon is often seen as a symbol of illumination and enlightenment.

The second line of the poem reads "a worm digs silently." Here, Ginsberg shifts the focus from the moon to a small, seemingly insignificant creature. The use of the word "silently" suggests that the worm is working in secret, perhaps unnoticed by the rest of the world. This line also introduces the theme of impermanence, as the worm's actions are temporary and fleeting.

The final line of the poem is "into the chestnut." This line brings the focus back to nature, specifically to a chestnut tree. The use of the word "into" suggests that the worm is burrowing into the tree, perhaps seeking shelter or sustenance. The chestnut tree is also a symbol of growth and abundance, as it produces nuts that can be harvested and eaten.

Overall, Haiku (Never Published) is a powerful example of the haiku form. Ginsberg's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid and evocative scene, while his focus on nature and impermanence speaks to the human experience. The poem is also notable for its brevity, as it manages to convey a complex set of ideas in just 17 syllables.

One of the key elements of the haiku form is its emphasis on nature. In traditional Japanese haiku, poets often focused on natural scenes and phenomena, such as the changing of the seasons or the behavior of animals. Ginsberg's poem follows this tradition, using the image of the moon, the worm, and the chestnut tree to create a sense of natural beauty and wonder.

At the same time, Ginsberg's poem also incorporates his own unique voice and style. The use of the word "silently" in the second line, for example, adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the scene. This word choice is typical of Ginsberg's writing, which often incorporates elements of the surreal and the unexpected.

Another important theme in Haiku (Never Published) is impermanence. The worm's actions are temporary and fleeting, reminding us of the transience of life and the inevitability of change. This theme is also reflected in the use of the word "autumn," which suggests a sense of transition and transformation.

The final line of the poem, "into the chestnut," is particularly powerful in its evocation of growth and abundance. The chestnut tree is a symbol of fertility and prosperity, suggesting that even in the midst of impermanence and change, there is still the potential for growth and renewal.

Overall, Haiku (Never Published) is a masterful example of the haiku form, combining traditional elements with Ginsberg's own unique style and voice. The poem's focus on nature, impermanence, and the human experience make it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

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