“Seek the Light of Love”:Philip Lamantia’s “A Simple Answer to the Enemy”: Then and Now

During the 1940s the poet Philip Lamantia transitioned away from Surrealism to “naturalistic” poetry rooted in spirituality and the mysticism that exists in extraordinary experiences. Some of the subject matter became more sensuous and sociopolitical, and an underlying theme is contempt for government and the evil perpetrated in its name. One of his most overtly political poems, “A Simple Answer to the Enemy” remains applicable today. It makes a case for dissent by laying bare the corrupt agenda of a political order that dehumanizes the public and erodes liberties. Lamantia endorses a revolutionary mindset that rejects mechanistic thinking, aggression, and greed, and encourages us to embrace a philosophy of love and the spirit of compassion

Gregory Corso's "The American Way": Then and Now

In the late 1950ｓ Gregory Coro moved to Paris where he would spend most of the next thirty years, enabling him to write about the United States from a unique perspective as an expatriate. Despite his patriotism, he felt that the American Dream had morphed into a monster, which he dubbed the American Way, and he was deeply concerned about the nation's trajectory. In spite of being written fifty years ago "The American Way" remains relevant today. In the poem he castigates not only those who abuse their power, but also the willing masses who follow blindly. Yet Corso does not completely despair, instead he pins his hope on youth for the redemption of America.

Sowing Seeds to Save the Planet:Environmental Issues in the Poetry of Nanao Sakaki

Amid the whirlwind of postwar modernization, Nanao Sakaki found inspiration in the wild and became one of Japan’s great voices for the environment, working tirelessly to enlighten the Japanese public about the government’s anti-environmental policies and attempting to change those policies through poetry and grass roots activism. Flavored with a unique brand of crazy wisdom and wit, his poetry addresses the beauty of the natural world and disappointment about humanity’s lack of concern for the environment. This paper examines Sakaki’s environmental themes, especially his objection to river dams, coral reef habitat destruction, and nuclear energy. Although he expresses disappointment, he does not completely despair. By calling attention to our threatened environment he becomes a voice for the earth, hoping to inspire others to renew their bond with the landscape and save the planet

“Notwithstanding the Broken English and Imperfect Grammar”:A Short Analysis of Joseph Hardy Neesima’s Letters in English

Joseph Neesima spent the vast majority of his life in the pursuit of improving himself. As a boy and an adolescent in Edo, his early education focused on Japanese and Chinese teachings and then broadened to include Western knowledge that he gained from reading Dutch texts. Budding interest in Christianity motivated the desire to translate the Bible into his native tongue, so he spent ten years abroad immersing himself in American culture, understanding Western education methods, and developing his Christian faith, all the while improving his linguistic aptitude. Unquestionably, he made great strides. The documents that Neesima left behind offer insight into his overall English language competence, and this paper is a brief analysis of some of the letters that he wrote in English while abroad. Exploring these letters reveals many of the profound experiences, friendships, and motivating factors that influenced his English language ability, but ultimately, all of these were superseded by his charismatic character and commitment to personal and spiritual improvement

Hunting and gathering culture:Daily life,the seasons,and the expatriate experience in Philip Whalen's Japan poems

Written between 1966 and 1971,Philip Whalen wrote heavily autobiographical poems that chronicled his life while he lived,worked,and studied in Japan.His views about the country are deeply personal,and the poems present the perceptions and thoughts of person who has ups and downs in an alien nation.His Buddhist mindfulness provides him with an ability to comprehend the nature of things as they are in the present moment,and they are complimented by his extensive knowledge about the country's historical and cultural background.Whalen's attention to the details of daily life,the seasons,and the expatriate experience,along with thoughtful contemplation,enable the poet to overcome the difficulties of living abroad and develop a deeper understanding of Japanese society,its culture,and its people

Memory Stretches and Love Streams：Interconnectivity,Nature.and Romance in Michael McClure's "Dear Being"

For more than half a century Michael McClure has been writing unique poetry about spirituality,the enviroment,and his place in contemporary society.Published in 2010."Dear Being",a collection of thirty-seven poems dedicated to his eife,is a noteworthy addition to the poet's canon.Writing about the natural world from a mystical-scientific viewpoint,incorporating Buddhist sensibilities,and intermingling his perceptions and experiences with memories he forges a truly mature volume of work.McClure continues to develop his usual themes,however maturity and passionate love infuse the sequence with a dimension of acceptance and oneness with the universe that help the poet achieve serenity in the twilight of his career