In the late 1950s, a young poet reflects on the creation of his groundbreaking work through flashbacks and interviews, oscillating between his tumultuous personal life and the burgeoning literary scene. As he recalls the struggles of his early career, he grapples with societal norms and his own identity, shaping a piece that would later become a cornerstone of the Beat Generation. His journey illustrates the raw energy of the time, marked by jazz, experimentation, and a quest for authenticity.

Simultaneously, his work faces a fierce legal battle for its provocative content, putting freedom of expression on trial. Lawyers and critics debate the merits and obscenities of the poem in a courtroom drama that questions the boundaries of art and censorship. Through a tapestry of animated sequences, real-life footage, and dramatizations, the narrative not only delves into the poet's creative process but also highlights the cultural impact his work would eventually have on literature and society.