'What Can We Do?' by Charles Bukowski
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at their best, there is gentleness in Humanity.
some understanding and, at times, acts of
courage
but all in all it is a mass, a glob that doesn't
have too much.
it is like a large animal deep in sleep and
almost nothing can awaken it.
when activated it's best at brutality,
selfishness, unjust judgments, murder.
what can we do with it, this Humanity?
nothing.
avoid the thing as much as possible.
treat it as you would anything poisonous, vicious
and mindless.
but be careful. it has enacted laws to protect
itself from you.
it can kill you without cause.
and to escape it you must be subtle.
few escape.
it's up to you to figure a plan.
I have met nobody who has escaped.
I have met some of the great and
famous but they have not escaped
for they are only great and famous within
Humanity.
I have not escaped
but I have not failed in trying again and
again.
before my death I hope to obtain my
life.
from
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, What Can We Do? by Charles Bukowski
If you are a fan of gritty, raw, and honest poetry, then Charles Bukowski is a name that you must have come across. Bukowski's poems are a reflection of his life experiences, struggles, and observations of society. One of his most famous poems is "Poetry, What Can We Do?" The poem is a commentary on the state of poetry and the role of the poet in the modern world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze Bukowski's poem in detail and explore its themes, imagery, and literary devices.
Theme
The central theme of "Poetry, What Can We Do?" is the idea that poetry has lost its relevance in the modern world. Bukowski is critical of the traditional forms of poetry that are taught in schools and universities. He believes that these forms are outdated and do not reflect the realities of contemporary society. Bukowski argues that poetry should be a reflection of life, and that poets should write about the world they see around them. His poem is a call to arms for poets to break free from the shackles of tradition and to write about the real world.
Imagery
Bukowski's use of imagery is one of the strongest aspects of his poetry. In "Poetry, What Can We Do?", he uses powerful images to convey his message. For example, in the first few lines of the poem, he writes:
the world is a beautiful place to be born into if you don't mind some people dying all the time or maybe only starving some of the time
These lines paint a vivid picture of the world as a beautiful but harsh place. The image of people dying and starving is a reminder that life is not always fair or just. Bukowski uses this imagery to emphasize the need for poets to write about the real world and to bring attention to the injustices that exist in society.
Another striking image in the poem is the description of the modern poet:
the modern poets are employed elsewhere they have been re-tooled to meet the needs of quantification
Here, Bukowski uses the image of a poet as a factory worker who has been re-tooled to meet the needs of the modern world. This image is particularly powerful because it emphasizes the idea that poetry has lost its relevance in the contemporary world. The poet, once a symbol of creativity and individuality, has become just another cog in the machine.
Literary Devices
In addition to his use of imagery, Bukowski employs several literary devices in "Poetry, What Can We Do?" One of the most prominent devices is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Bukowski repeats the phrase "what can we do?" This repetition serves to emphasize the idea that poetry is no longer relevant, and that poets are powerless to change the world. By repeating this phrase, Bukowski drives home the point that something needs to be done to revive poetry and make it relevant once again.
Another literary device that Bukowski uses is irony. The poem is full of ironic statements and observations. For example, he writes:
the poets are wrong of course. but then so are you.
This statement is ironic because it suggests that the poet is wrong, but the reader is also wrong. Bukowski is pointing out the fact that there are no easy answers when it comes to poetry or life in general. The use of irony in the poem serves to make the reader question their assumptions and to challenge their preconceptions about poetry and the role of the poet.
Interpretation
"Poetry, What Can We Do?" is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. Bukowski's message is clear: poetry must be relevant and meaningful if it is to have any impact on the world. The poem is a call to arms for poets to break free from tradition and to write about the real world. Bukowski is critical of the traditional forms of poetry that are taught in schools and universities, arguing that they are outdated and do not reflect the realities of contemporary society.
At its core, "Poetry, What Can We Do?" is a poem about the power of words. Bukowski is reminding us that words have the power to change the world, but only if they are used in the right way. The poem is a call to action, a reminder that poets have a responsibility to use their words to make a difference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, What Can We Do?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about poetry and the role of the poet. Bukowski's use of imagery, literary devices, and repetition makes the poem both memorable and impactful. The poem is a call to arms for poets to break free from tradition and to write about the real world. Bukowski's message is clear: if poetry is to have any impact on the world, it must be relevant and meaningful. So, what can we do? The answer lies in the poem itself: we must use our words to make a difference.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Can We Do? A Poetic Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the renowned American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw and unfiltered writing style that captures the gritty reality of life. His poem, "What Can We Do?" is a prime example of his unique style and powerful message.
The poem begins with a simple question, "what can we do?" This question is a reflection of the frustration and helplessness that many people feel in the face of societal problems. Bukowski's use of the first-person plural "we" creates a sense of unity and shared responsibility. He is not just asking the question for himself, but for all of us.
The poem then takes a dark turn as Bukowski describes the bleak reality of life. He talks about the "dead babies" and "burned-out cities" that surround us. He paints a picture of a world that is full of pain and suffering, a world that seems beyond repair. This is a harsh reality that many people try to ignore or deny, but Bukowski forces us to confront it head-on.
Despite the bleakness of the situation, Bukowski does not give up hope. He suggests that there is something we can do, even in the face of overwhelming odds. He tells us to "keep on dancing" and "keep on dreaming." These lines are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can still find joy and hope.
Bukowski also encourages us to take action. He tells us to "write a letter" and "plant a tree." These simple actions may seem insignificant, but they can make a difference. Bukowski is urging us to take responsibility for our world and to do what we can to make it a better place.
The poem ends with a powerful message of unity and solidarity. Bukowski tells us that "we are the universe" and that "we are everything." This is a reminder that we are all connected and that our actions have an impact on the world around us. Bukowski is urging us to come together and work towards a common goal.
Overall, "What Can We Do?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of Bukowski's writing style. It is a call to action, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we can still make a difference. Bukowski's use of vivid imagery and raw language creates a sense of urgency and desperation that is hard to ignore. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and motivate us to take action.
In conclusion, Charles Bukowski's "What Can We Do?" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope. Bukowski's message of unity and solidarity is more important now than ever before. We must come together and work towards a better future for ourselves and for future generations. As Bukowski reminds us, "we are the universe" and "we are everything." Let us take responsibility for our world and do what we can to make it a better place.
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