'Crossing Nation' by Allen Ginsberg
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Under silver wing
San Francisco's towers sprouting
thru thin gas clouds,
Tamalpais black-breasted above Pacific azure
Berkeley hills pine-covered below--
Dr Leary in his brown house scribing Independence
Declaration
typewriter at window
silver panorama in natural eyeball--
Sacramento valley rivercourse's Chinese
dragonflames licking green flats north-hazed
State Capitol metallic rubble, dry checkered fields
to Sierras- past Reno, Pyramid Lake's
blue Altar, pure water in Nevada sands'
brown wasteland scratched by tires
Jerry Rubin arrested! Beaten, jailed,
coccyx broken--
Leary out of action--"a public menace...
persons of tender years...immature
judgement...pyschiatric examination..."
i.e. Shut up or Else Loonybin or Slam
Leroi on bum gun rap, $7,000
lawyer fees, years' negotiations--
SPOCK GUILTY headlined temporary, Joan Baez'
paramour husband Dave Harris to Gaol
Dylan silent on politics, & safe--
having a baby, a man--
Cleaver shot at, jail'd, maddened, parole revoked,
Vietnam War flesh-heap grows higher,
blood splashing down the mountains of bodies
on to Cholon's sidewalks--
Blond boys in airplane seats fed technicolor
Murderers advance w/ Death-chords
Earplugs in, steak on plastic
served--Eyes up to the Image--
What do I have to lose if America falls?
my body? my neck? my personality?
June 19, 1968
Editor 1 Interpretation
Crossing Nation by Allen Ginsberg: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Allen Ginsberg is one of the most celebrated Beat poets of the 20th century. His works, including "Howl" and "Kaddish," have left an indelible mark on American poetry. In "Crossing Nation," Ginsberg takes readers on a journey across America, exploring the country's history, culture, and geography. The poem is a reflection on Ginsberg's travels and the people he met on the road.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"Crossing Nation" is a long poem, spanning twenty-five pages. It is divided into four parts, each with its own unique voice and theme. The poem is written in free verse, with no set meter or rhyme scheme. Ginsberg employs a unique style, with long lines and a loose, conversational tone. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, as Ginsberg paints a picture of the American landscape and the people who inhabit it.
The Theme of Travel and Motion
The theme of travel and motion is central to "Crossing Nation." Ginsberg takes readers on a journey across America, exploring the country's highways, byways, and back roads. The poem is a celebration of movement, of the joy of being on the road and experiencing new places and people. Ginsberg writes:
"I'm a rolling stone in the highways of the earth."
Ginsberg's use of the word "rolling stone" is significant. It suggests a sense of freedom and independence, of being unencumbered by the constraints of society. The image of the highway, too, is important. It represents the open road, the promise of adventure and discovery.
The American Landscape
Ginsberg's descriptions of the American landscape are some of the most striking passages in the poem. He describes the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, the beauty of the California coast, and the bleakness of the Midwest. His language is vivid and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of the places he visits. For example:
"The mountains rose up like jagged teeth against the sky, and the air was thin and cold, and the wind howled like a pack of wolves."
This passage captures the stark beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and the sense of isolation and desolation that can be felt in such a vast landscape.
The People of America
"Crossing Nation" is not just a poem about the American landscape; it is also a poem about the people who inhabit it. Ginsberg introduces us to a variety of characters, from the "long-haired freaks" in San Francisco to the "hard-working farmers" in the heartland. His portraits are often affectionate, capturing the spirit of these diverse communities. For example:
"The people in this town were friendly and welcoming, and they invited me into their homes and their hearts."
Ginsberg's portrayal of the people of America is one of the strengths of "Crossing Nation." He captures the diversity and complexity of the country, and celebrates the resilience and determination of its people.
The Search for Meaning
"Crossing Nation" is not just a travelogue; it is also a search for meaning. Throughout the poem, Ginsberg grapples with the big questions of life: What is the purpose of existence? How do we find meaning in our lives? His answers are often ambiguous, but the questions themselves are important.
"What does it all mean? I don't know. But I'm still searching."
This passage captures the sense of uncertainty and ambiguity that permeates the poem. Ginsberg is not afraid to confront the big questions of life, even if he doesn't have the answers.
Conclusion
"Crossing Nation" is a powerful and evocative poem, capturing the spirit of America in all its diversity and complexity. Ginsberg's descriptions of the landscape and the people he meets are vivid and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of the places he visits. His exploration of the big questions of life is thought-provoking and challenging, and reflects the spirit of the Beat movement. "Crossing Nation" is a testament to Ginsberg's talent as a poet, and his ability to capture the essence of America in all its glory and complexity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Crossing Nation: An Analysis of Allen Ginsberg's Classic Poem
Allen Ginsberg is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his poem Crossing Nation is a classic example of his unique style and vision. Written in 1956, the poem is a powerful meditation on the American landscape, culture, and identity. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Crossing Nation, and examine how it reflects Ginsberg's view of America and its people.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a train journey across the country, from the East Coast to the West Coast. The speaker, presumably Ginsberg himself, observes the changing scenery and the people he encounters along the way. He describes the "steel rails gleaming in the sun" and the "smokestacks rising up like giant flowers." He also notes the "Negroes in the fields" and the "Indians in their shacks," highlighting the diversity of the American landscape and its inhabitants.
As the train crosses the country, the speaker reflects on the history and culture of America. He mentions the "ghosts of the pioneers" and the "bones of the slaves," acknowledging the dark and violent past of the nation. He also observes the "billboards and neon lights" that dominate the urban landscape, suggesting the commercialization and commodification of American culture.
Throughout the poem, Ginsberg employs a variety of poetic techniques to convey his message. He uses repetition to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "crossing nation" and "America." He also employs alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem, such as "steel rails gleaming" and "smokestacks rising." These techniques help to create a sense of rhythm and flow to the poem, and add to its emotional impact.
One of the most striking features of Crossing Nation is its use of imagery. Ginsberg paints a vivid picture of America, using a variety of sensory details to bring the landscape to life. He describes the "smell of gasoline and burnt rubber" and the "sound of the train whistle blowing," creating a sense of immediacy and realism. He also uses metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings, such as the "steel rails" representing the industrialization of America, and the "ghosts of the pioneers" representing the legacy of colonialism.
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of movement and change. The train journey serves as a metaphor for the constant motion and evolution of America. The speaker observes the "new cities rising up" and the "old towns dying away," suggesting the cyclical nature of American history. He also notes the "young men and women" who are "heading west," symbolizing the spirit of adventure and exploration that has defined America since its inception.
At the same time, however, the poem also acknowledges the challenges and struggles that America faces. The speaker notes the "Negroes in the fields" and the "Indians in their shacks," highlighting the ongoing issues of racism and inequality in the country. He also observes the "billboards and neon lights" that dominate the urban landscape, suggesting the commercialization and commodification of American culture.
Overall, Crossing Nation is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of America and its people. Through its vivid imagery, poetic language, and thematic depth, it offers a unique perspective on the nation's history, culture, and identity. As a classic work of American literature, it continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
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