Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IMAGINARY UNIVERSES by ALLEN GINSBERG

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: UNDER ORDERS TO SHOOT THE SPY, I DISCHARGED
Last Line: That was true, yes.
Subject(s): UNITED STATES; AMERICA;

Under orders to shoot the spy, I discharged my pistol into his mouth.
He fell face down from the position life left his body kneeling blindfold.
No, I never did that. Imagined in airport snow, Albany plane discharging passengers.
Yes, the Mexican-faced boy, 19 in Marine cloth, seat next me
Descending Salt Lake, accompanied his brother's body from Vietnam.
The Gook was kneeling in front of me, crying & pleading. There were two; he had a card we
dropped on them.
The card granted immunity to those V.C. surrendering.
On account of my best friend & my brother I killed both Gooks.
That was true, yes.



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