Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Gregory Corso, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation literary movement of the 1950s and 1960s. In this quote, Corso reflects on his experience of being raised by foster parents in New York City. The Lower East Side of Manhattan, where Corso lived, was a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its immigrant communities and cultural richness.

Corso's upbringing in the Lower East Side was marked by the instability of being shuffled between different foster homes. The experience of being adopted by eight different foster parents speaks to the challenges and disruptions he faced during his formative years. This transient and unsettled childhood had a profound impact on Corso's worldview and creative output as a poet.

The Lower East Side, during Corso's time, was a neighborhood of contrasts. It was a place of poverty and struggle, but also one of creativity and artistic expression. The area was home to a diverse array of cultures and communities, and its streets were filled with the energy of immigrant life. This environment surely shaped Corso's early experiences and influenced his development as a poet.

Corso's formative years in New York City provided him with a firsthand understanding of the complexities of urban life. The city served as a backdrop for his coming-of-age, exposing him to the myriad struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants. This exposure to the raw and unfiltered realities of city life would later inform the themes and motifs of Corso's poetic work.

As a poet, Corso's writing often delved into the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity. His upbringing in New York City, with its diverse and often tumultuous environment, surely left a lasting impression on his artistic sensibilities. The rich tapestry of cultures and experiences that he encountered in the city would have undoubtedly influenced the depth and nuance of his poetic voice.

Corso's recollection of being raised by multiple foster parents also sheds light on the fragility of familial structures and the resilience of the human spirit. His experience speaks to the resilience and adaptability that many individuals, particularly children, demonstrate in the face of challenging circumstances. This theme of resilience and the search for belonging is a recurring motif in Corso's poetry, reflecting his own personal journey.

In conclusion, Gregory Corso's quote offers a glimpse into the formative years of a poet whose work continues to resonate with readers today. His experiences as a child raised in the Lower East Side of New York City undoubtedly shaped the lens through which he viewed the world and the themes he explored in his poetry. The quote serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of childhood experiences and the ways in which they can shape and inform artistic expression.