Poems About Getting High: Exploring the Depths of Consciousness

Poetry has long been a medium through which artists express their deepest thoughts, emotions, and experiences. From love and heartbreak to nature and spirituality, poetry covers a vast range of themes. One such theme that has captivated poets throughout history is the act of getting high. Whether it's through the use of drugs, meditation, or natural euphoria, the altered state of consciousness has led to the creation of mesmerizing verses. In this article, we will delve into the world of poems about getting high, exploring the depths of consciousness and the artistic expression inspired by this unique experience.

1. "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg

"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked"

One of the seminal works of the Beat Generation, Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of rebellion and self-discovery during the mid-20th century. Ginsberg's exploration of drugs, sex, and spirituality in this poem reflects the counterculture movement's fascination with altered states of consciousness.

2. "Alone with Everybody" by Charles Bukowski

"the flesh covers the bone and they put a mind
"in there and sometimes a soul,
"and the women break vases against the walls
"and the men drink too much"

Charles Bukowski, known for his raw and gritty style, often wrote poems about the darker aspects of life. In "Alone with Everybody," he delves into the loneliness and isolation one can feel even when surrounded by others. The poem touches on how some individuals turn to substances like alcohol to numb their pain and temporarily escape their reality.

3. "The Sunflower Sutra" by Allen Ginsberg

"We're all golden sunflowers inside,
"we're all blessed by our own seed

Allen Ginsberg makes another appearance on this list with "The Sunflower Sutra." In this poem, Ginsberg beautifully intertwines themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. The sunflower, often associated with happiness and warmth, becomes a metaphor for the potential within each individual. The poem suggests that just as sunflowers turn towards the sun, we too can seek enlightenment and euphoria in our own unique ways.

4. "A Supermarket in California" by Allen Ginsberg

"Who killed the pork chops? What price bananas?
"Are you my Angel?"

Yes, another poem by Allen Ginsberg. "A Supermarket in California" takes readers on a surreal journey through the mind of the poet. As Ginsberg walks through a supermarket, he encounters two legendary figures: Walt Whitman and Federico García Lorca. The poem explores themes of consumerism, sexuality, and the quest for inspiration. The act of getting high is metaphorically represented by the supermarket, where one can escape the mundanity of life and find a moment of transcendence.

Poems about getting high offer a unique perspective into the human experience. They allow us to explore altered states of consciousness, seeking moments of euphoria, self-discovery, and connection with the world around us. Through the verses of poets like Allen Ginsberg and Charles Bukowski, we gain insights into the complexities of existence and the desire to break free from conventional boundaries. So, let these poems take you on a journey through the depths of consciousness, and perhaps, you'll find inspiration in their captivating words.