Allen Ginsberg, 1973

[brynmawr1]

Allen Ginsberg, 1973
 
He was wearing Indian clothes
like he’d just stepped off the street from Calcutta.
He’d just led us in singing a Blake song
while he played his harmonium,
was wandering the aisles of the auditorium in intermission.       I like 'at intermission' but that's me.
His balding bearded head haloed in long black hair
appeared before me, “Did you sing?”
I said “I tried” and he smiled     consider reversing the 'I said' 'I tried'  I found who was speaking confusing for awhile coming from the previous line
“that’s all we can ask” he said
and moved on, first taking my hand.
His was as soft as a flower.

Hi TqB,
I agree with Tiger's suggestions and added one of my own as shown above.  I watched the WFB interview you suggested.  It was fascinating.  I can;t imagine people today engaging in such a nuanced broad discussion these days.  There was no 'gotcha' moments or interruption.  refreshing.
Anyway, this is a very nice piece, as usual.
Thanks for the read,
bryn

Thanks Bryn,

I've edited it, including both your and Tiger's notes but also tried to make the experience more true to memory.  It still reads more like prose to me, but maybe I'll come back to it at some point and can turn it into a real poem.

Yes, the interview is a nice glimpse of Ginsberg.  Such a joyous human being.

TqB

I think the original with the few tweaks was quite poetic.  Your expanded version I wouldn't say is prose but is more narrative than lyrical, a quality of your original.  I think the original with the minor modification is sufficient but if you have more to say I look forward to it.
bryn