Poem of the Week By Bob McNeil
Biography:
Bob McNeil is a writer, editor, cartoonist, and spoken word artist. Flexible Press published his book composed of essays, illustrations, poems, and stories titled Compositions on Compassion and Other Emotions (Flexible Press). Proceeds from this work fund the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Backstory:
I must say my unflagging love for the Beat Movement moved me. Years ago, like a groupie, I used to attend Allen Ginsberg’s recitals in New York. On two occasions, he gave me his autograph. Sure, I can go into great detail about my love for Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs. But I must mention America’s Arthur Rimbaud, Bob Kaufman. Almost above all others, he touched my spirit.
Beatnik Minds for Modern Times
To be a Beat poet,
you must travel roads
searching for the unknown
in yourself
and move with the speed
of Dean Moriarty.
See art everywhere,
from the gutter or the ether,
via a Proustian way
for a tire-sized novel
and any Blakean lay.
Go mad and use anaphoric
Whitmanesque lines
about polemics.
Yawp about a generation
and its unsung creations.
Wail about it till you sound close
to a Coltrane solo.
Remember, you can alchemize
the first thought you realize.
With the frequency of each sunrise,
improvise like Bob Kaufman.
And if your work gets published by a press
famous for its streetlight brightness,
you must forever remain Zen-egoless.
© 2025 Bob McNeil
From Compositions on Compassion and Other Emotions (Flexible Press)
Well done, Bob McNeil. You capture the essence of the Beat Movement in this wonderful piece.
Author Bob McNeil, congratulations! You did a fantastic job in bridging the Beatnik poets to the 21st century’s poetic subculture. I remember (like yesterday) studying the Beatnik poets while in Chatham University’s Grad Program. They were one of my favorite literary subjects because I could relate to their poetic works. In fact, the Beatniks were my second-best subject matter in comparison to the African American early poets.
In the Beatnik culture Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Allen Ginsberg, and Gary Snyder (just to name a few) all ventured to challenge the status quo in terms of politics, ethos, and culture. The Beatniks were quirky poets (like me) who changed their generation.
Author McNeil, you nailed that same sentiment in your profound poetic works.
Author/Poet/Publisher Reneé Drummond-Brown MA, holds certifications in global studies, Christian Leadership, BS, AA.
This is awesome so full of history and great era. We can enjoy this for years to come and it just goes around full circle becoming alive once again
Mr. Author Bob McNeil, Fantastic and Brilliant! My favorite lines “… remain Zen-Ego-less”. Your a phenomenal writer connecting with you has been a motivating transformation.
Learning about the Beatnik culture through your writing is an investment. All your encouraging words and support continuously helps me on my journey. Thank you!!
This is a very beautiful poem with a beautiful rhythm that shows how poetry is a rhythm of history and creativity that flows f from out spirit. It demonstrates how the power of the words have the power to educate ,inspire and uplift. It shows how poetry is a gift that comes from within our heart minds and soul which has the ability to transform hearts ,minds and souls all around us. It truly captures the true art, power beauty and essence of poetry <3