America

At first glance it might be hard to discern the meaning (or belief that there is much of one) behind Ginsberg's poetry. It was clear to me from the beginning simply by the styling of his poem (including it's protest-like statements) that Ginsberg was not only very drug-influenced but I believe was a person who would have been classified as a "hippie" in this late 50's era. Clearly it is a poem defiant of America: "I smoke marijuana every chance I get" is one of the many examples where Ginsberg tries to assert himself as a rebellious figure. In addition, While I cannot be sure, the line where Ginsberg says " I sit in my house for days on end and stare at the roses in the closet. " I couldn't help but think that he was discussing his trials with heroin as the pictures he presents here: "I sit in my house for days on end and stare" is extremely similar to the experiences which most heroin users have when using. I am somewhat confused though by Ginsberg's mental process in the stanza talking about Time Magazine. Is he attempting to provide the thought processes of two people? or is his saying how we should all stop reading time magazine and then his own confession to it to emphaisze the need for change? or is it to enhance a sarcastic undertone of the Machine-like culture of America and the people's misguided willingness to follow their leaders?