Lawrence Ferlinghetti was an American poet and painter. He is also remembered as a social activist. He authored books of poetry, criticism, and film narration. His best-known collection, and his first, A Coney Island of the Mind, was published in 1958. He also published several of the Beat Poets throughout their careers.
‘Constantly Risking Absurdity’ was first published in 1958 in his collection A Coney Island of the Mind: Poems. The speaker goes on to say that the poet is a “super realist” while at the same time making his way towards where “Beauty stands and waits”.
Wild Dreams of a New Beginning’ is the imaginary destruction of the modern world that concludes with a questionable return to peaceful wilderness.