Ode to Allen Ginsberg

I'd rather eat a radish
Than read one word of "Kaddish"*

...


*Scylla is being frivolous here, as she has always had the utmost regard for Mr. Ginsberg (may he rest in peace). And, while "Kaddish" - also known as "Kaddish for Naomi Ginsberg (1894–1956)" - may be one of his more forgettable works, the literary world will forever be indebted to him for his magnificent, precedent-setting masterpiece "Howl". But more significantly, he was the only American to visit disgraced French author Ferdinand Destouches in Paris after WWII !! During Vichy France, Destouches, whose literary pseudonym was Céline, had broadcast a radio program with co-host Philippe Cousteau (Jacque's brother!) telling the Israelites to leave France, they were not wanted. (Please note: Mr. Ginsberg made this visit IN SPITE OF the fact that he was himself israelitish). Mr. Ginsberg WAS ALSO THE ONLY AMERICAN to visit Ezra Pound, another famous littérateur-turned-broadcaster who retired to Italy when they let him out of St. Elizabeth's hospital. Q.E.D. - Enid Evenson Haddow de Burke, Literary Advisor to the Queen