If one deeply notices the words of “Father Death Blues”, it appears as if a child has painted a beautiful canvas and the meaning of the painting is explained in an adult form. It is impossible to believe the fact that a few lines can explain the meaning of death- the biggest truth of life, so beautifully. The poem “Father Death Blues” as the title suggests has been written by Ginsberg particularly at the time when he was deeply disheartened by his father’s death.
The poet aesthetically explains the fact that though death is an important part of life and everyone has to lose someone or the other in his or her lifetime, but still it is essential to accept and understand that death comes to all.
Marked by blues structure and a well -defined rhyme scheme, the poem explains the fact that apart from being a master of expression and language, Ginsberg has also proved himself being a master of longing and loss. The poem was written in a sad mood but it beautifully explains the fact that one should stand up tall even after the loss of his or her loved one because life goes on, it does not wait for anyone else.
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The poet says that anyone’s death be it your father, your mother, your sister, your brother, your uncle, your aunt or anyone else whom you love is hard to handle, but eventually comes a time when the pain is lost and the tears dry up. Instead of mourning over his father’s death, the poet is actually thanking him that despite the pain he is going through, he is now inspired to learn greater lessons in life and he is also thankful for the fact that his father’s death has matured him as a human being. No other incident; good or bad has taught him so much than the death of his father.
What is astonishing in the poem is that despite being a native English writer, Ginsberg has associated the phenomena of death with the Indian God Buddha when he says, “Buddha death, I wake with you”. He means that he has gained enlightenment just like Lord Buddha. He also says” Dharma death, your mind is new, Sangha death we’ll work it through”. Dharma is an Indian word meaning religion and Sangha means unity. The poet has amazingly explained the phenomena of death relating it to religion and unity as explained by the Indian culture.
At the end of the poem, the poet says that though he has lost his father and he is awakened to the fact that he cannot do away, with his father anymore, he still misses him and wishes that he comes back again when he says “Father breath once more farewell”.