Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Personals Ad," Allen Ginsberg adopts the format of a personal advertisement to reveal a deeply intimate and multifaceted search for companionship. This poem is a poignant blend of vulnerability, longing, and the quest for both personal and universal connections.

The opening lines set the tone with a quotation from Robert Creeley, "I will send a picture too if you will send me one of you," emphasizing the reciprocal nature of human relationships and the desire for mutual understanding and exchange. This epigraph immediately frames the poem as an earnest and open call for connection.

Ginsberg describes himself as a "Poet professor in autumn years," a phrase that encapsulates his sense of maturity and reflective wisdom. He is in the later stages of his life, seeking not only a lover but also a "helpmate companion protector friend." The multiplicity of roles he desires in a partner underscores his recognition of the complex needs and dimensions of human relationships.

The attributes he seeks in a partner are broad and evocative: "young lover w/empty compassionate soul exuberant spirit, straightforward handsome athletic physique & boundless mind, courageous warrior who may also like women & girls." This ideal partner is envisioned as someone full of life, beauty, and intellectual vigor, but also open-minded and inclusive in their affections. Ginsberg’s criteria suggest a longing for someone who embodies both physical vitality and a profound, expansive mind.

Ginsberg’s reference to iconic literary and musical figures—Whitman, Blake, Rimbaud, Ma Rainey, and Vivaldi—reflects his own eclectic tastes and intellectual passions. He seeks someone who is "familiar respecting Art’s primordial majesty," indicating his desire for a partner who appreciates and understands the transformative power of art. This cultural and artistic awareness is crucial for the companionship he envisions, one that transcends the mundane and taps into the sublime.

The line "priapic carefree playful harmless slave or master, mortally tender passing swift time" introduces a layer of eroticism and playfulness, acknowledging the fluid dynamics of power and intimacy in relationships. The use of "slave or master" suggests a willingness to explore various roles and experiences within the relationship, while "mortally tender" highlights the transient yet profound nature of human connections.

Ginsberg’s candidness about his personal life—"Find me here in New York alone with the Alone going to lady psychiatrist who says / Make time in your life for someone you can call darling, honey, who holds you dear"—reveals his deep-seated need for emotional support and intimacy. His reference to his psychiatrist’s advice underscores the therapeutic and essential aspect of finding love and companionship, suggesting that such connections are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

The poem concludes with a sense of hope and anticipation, as Ginsberg extends his heartfelt plea to the universe: "can get excited & lay his head on your heart in peace." This image of tranquility and mutual comfort encapsulates the ultimate goal of his search—finding a partner who can provide solace and joy amid the chaos of life.

"Personals Ad" is a poignant and honest portrayal of Ginsberg's search for love and companionship. It is a reflection on the human condition, the desire for connection, and the recognition that such connections are vital for emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Through his eloquent and heartfelt words, Ginsberg invites the reader to witness his vulnerability and share in his timeless quest for a kindred soul.

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