People, Mar. 5, 1979

"Fourth floor ... children's wear ... handbags ... maternity ... pianos ... Ginsberg in the tearoom." What's this? Howling Allen Ginsberg, aging (52) poet-priest of'50s beat and '60s yippiedom reading his work in a Brooklyn department store? "Why not?" replies Ginsberg, as he prepares to recite such poems as Dope Fiend Blues, Punk Rock and Plutonian Ode. His familiar curl-fringed bald pate and face set off by silver granny glasses, he explains: "I get a lot more older people now, especially little old Jewish ladies. But I like a varied audience—little old ladies,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!