3 ms·

This poem feels completely different now than in the 60s, I'm sure. Like it's advocating for a techno optimistic dystopia where nobody, not even animals, can be

• _yb2s 2y ago
  This is my personal interpretation- but I think that the modern reading you are implying was very much intended to be the context in which it was written. Brautigan's use of the tone of naive extreme optimism was intended to be ironic and terrifyingly dystopian. I'll cite the rest of the work in this same book posted here- none of his poems are shallow, naive, or very optimistic - especially with regard to technology and it's effect on the natural environment. I do think he intended to leave the reader wondering if he was serious or not.
• xsmasher 2y ago
  In isolation it seems pretty utopian and optimistic, but reading a few more of the poems makes me doubt he was really that starry-eyed about the future. The line about rejoining our animal brothers has a faint smell of "the matrix." It always reminds me of Donald's Fagan's I.G.Y. - the lyrics are 99% utopian Here at home we'll play in the city Powered by the sun Perfect weather for a streamlined world There'll be spandex jackets, one for everyone With just one hint of trouble brewing A just machine to make big decisions Programmed by fellows with compassion and vision We'll be clean when their work is done We'll be eternally free, yes, and eternally young https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOQUzrhTBgw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOQUzrhTBgw
  • varelse 2y ago
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