Tombstone As A Lonely Charm
By: d. a. levy
if you want a revolution return to your childhood and kick out the bottom dont mistake changing headlines for changes if you want freedom dont mistake circles for revolutions think in terms of living and know you are dying & wonder why if you want a revolution learn to grow in spirals always being able to return to your childhood and kick out the bottom this is what ive been trying to say—if you attack the structure— the system—the establishment you attack yourself KNOW THIS! & attack if you must challenge yourself externally but if you want a revolution return to your childhood & kick out the bottom be able to change yr own internal chemistry walk down the street & flash lights in yr head at children this is not a game your childhood is the foundation of the system walk down the street flash lights in yr head at children but be wary of anyone old enough to kill learn how to disappear before they can find you (that is, if you want to stay alive) if you want a revolution do it "together" but dont get trapped in words or systems people are people no matter what politics color or words they use & they all have children buried in their head if you want a revolution grow a new mind & do it quietly if you can return to your childhood and kick out the bottom then become a being not dependent on words for seeing whenever you get bored change headlines colors politics words change women but if you really want a revolution learn how to change your internal chemistry then go beyond that walk down the streets & flash light at yourself
Levy was known for his unconventional writing style, often incorporating experimental techniques such as concrete poetry and typewriter art into his work. He published numerous chapbooks and underground magazines, including "The Buddhist Third Class Junkmail Oracle," which became a cult classic among the counterculture movement.
Levy's poetry was riddled with his anti-establishment views, and he frequently found himself in conflict with authorities. He was arrested multiple times on charges ranging from obscenity to distributing "unfit literature." Despite facing legal troubles and harassment, Levy continued to write and publish his work until his tragic death.
On November 24, 1968, at the age of 26, d. a. levy was found dead in his apartment, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death shocked the literary community and sparked speculation about the role of government surveillance and harassment in his demise. Today, he is remembered as a pioneering figure in the American underground poetry scene, whose work continues to inspire poets and activists alike.
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Political poetry is the most frustrating kind of poetry to write. I wrote such poetry back in the 60's and it's very interesting to me that it is all still quite relevant for today's political scene. I don't write political poetry anymore. Too many of us end up like Levy. I chose life.
Keep flashing those lights, inside and out.