Hippie imagery
The imagery of the late 1960's is replete with bohemian imagery, which is the style derived from intentionally setting aside professional identity. The part of hippie culture that resonates most deeply with the poet is the artistic expression of the self through style and lifestyle, and he explores his attachment to the movement through imagery and depictions of things he has seen, done, or encountered.
Black power and the journey for equality
The movement for the equal treatment of Black people in America is featured through imagery. Whereas the hippie style is more about setting one's self apart from the broader community, as if to say, "We are not like those other white people who wear suits and ties" (loosely speaking), the imagery associated with the poet's identity as a Black man is deeply communal. The imagery contains references to Black power, the marches of the 1960's, and the historical mistreatment of Black people in America.
Transcendental imagery
The imagery of transcendence is religious imagery that suggests that perhaps reality is more than meets the eye. In fact, he encourages the reader through his poetry to consider beyond the five external sense, beyond the ego, beyond one's memories, fears, desires, and ambitions, to see the world through the lens of absolute wonder and awe. He finds that the infinite frustrations of existence are inviting a deeper analysis of waking consciousness.
Literature and language
Language itself is a kind of demonstration throughout this work, because certain communities communicate in different ways, so the idea of meaning is linked to words and communication. As he attempts to understand the meaning of his own existence, the painful, broken world he belongs to, and his ego, he finds that only language can help. He feels that language is a signal for his participation in both communities, because he knows the lingo of either side.
