Shell Silverstein “The Perfect High”

It seems that another consequence of modern culture that affected some of the beat poets was the experimentation of drugs. While I cannot relate to the literal reading of this poem, I would say that there could be a wide interpretation. Just using the themes of drugs in the background of the poem is what illustrates the culture that this poem arose from. One could have certainly replaced the drugs with almost anything else, foods, experiences or perhaps even women, however the message can come across the same

"Well, dog my cats!" says Baba Fats. "here’s one more burnt–out soul,
Who’s looking for some alchemist to turn his trip to gold.
But you won’t find it in no dealer’s stash, or on no druggist’s shelf.
Son, if you would seek the perfect high –– find it in yourself."

These lines are met with some resistance from Gimmesome Roy who finds it unacceptable that he has worked so hard to find something that seems simple when in reality it is not. This theme is especially motivating for those willing to listen to Baba Fats. as it is a predominant cultural belief that things can be achieved by material means without the use of intrinsic thought. This poems message is to find that happiness is not something obtained but achieved.