'As The Poems Go' by Charles Bukowski
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as the poems go into the thousands you
realize that you've created very
little.
it comes down to the rain, the sunlight,
the traffic, the nights and the days of the
years, the faces.
leaving this will be easier than living
it, typing one more line now as
a man plays a piano through the radio,
the best writers have said very
little
and the worst,
far too much.
from
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, As The Poems Go: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you’ve just been punched in the gut? That’s what it’s like to read Charles Bukowski’s “Poetry, As The Poems Go”. This poem is a raw and unfiltered look at the life of a struggling writer, and it’s a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
Overview of the Poem
At its core, “Poetry, As The Poems Go” is about the struggle of being a writer. The speaker, presumably Bukowski himself, talks about the difficulties of finding inspiration and making a living through writing. He also touches on the themes of rejection, loneliness, and the toll that life can take on an artist.
The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the writing life. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker laments the fact that he hasn’t written a good poem in a long time. He talks about how his inspiration seems to have dried up, and how he’s become disconnected from the world around him.
The second stanza is a reflection on the nature of poetry itself. The speaker talks about how poetry is like a wild animal that can’t be tamed or controlled. He also touches on the idea that a writer’s life experiences are what make their poetry great.
In the third stanza, the speaker addresses the difficulties of making a living as a writer. He talks about submitting work to magazines and publishers, only to be rejected time and time again. He also touches on the idea that writing is a lonely profession, and that it can be difficult to find support from those around you.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the toll that life can take on an artist. The speaker talks about how life has beaten him down, and how he’s struggled to find any joy or inspiration in his work. He also touches on the idea that writers often turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their struggles.
In the fifth stanza, the speaker returns to the theme of rejection. He talks about how rejection can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can be a source of motivation but can also lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Finally, the sixth stanza is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend the struggles of everyday life. The speaker talks about how poetry can be a source of solace and comfort, even in the darkest of times.
Interpretation of the Poem
At its core, “Poetry, As The Poems Go” is a deeply personal and introspective poem. It’s clear that the speaker is drawing from his own experiences as a struggling writer, and the rawness and honesty of the poem is what makes it so powerful.
One of the major themes of the poem is the idea that writing is a lonely and isolating profession. The speaker talks about how he feels disconnected from the world around him, and how difficult it can be to find support from others. This is a sentiment that many writers can relate to, as the act of writing can be a solitary and isolating experience.
Another theme of the poem is the idea that rejection is an inevitable part of the writing life. The speaker talks about how he’s been rejected time and time again, and how it can be difficult to find the motivation to keep going. However, he also touches on the idea that rejection can be a source of motivation, as it can push writers to work harder and strive for excellence.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way that it captures the struggle of the artist. The speaker talks about how life has beaten him down, and how difficult it can be to find any joy or inspiration in his work. This is a sentiment that many artists can relate to, as the act of creating can be both exhilarating and exhausting.
Finally, the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend the struggles of everyday life. The speaker talks about how poetry can be a source of solace and comfort, even in the darkest of times. This is a sentiment that is echoed by many writers and readers, as the act of reading and writing can be a way to escape from the harsh realities of the world.
Literary Criticism of the Poem
As a literary work, “Poetry, As The Poems Go” is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Bukowski’s writing is raw and unfiltered, and he has a unique ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his work.
One of the major strengths of the poem is its use of language. Bukowski’s writing is simple and direct, but it’s also deeply evocative. He has a way of using words to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion that is unmatched in modern poetry.
Another strength of the poem is its structure. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the writing life. This structure helps to give the poem a sense of narrative, and it allows the reader to follow the speaker’s journey as he reflects on his struggles as a writer.
Finally, the poem is a masterclass in the use of metaphor and imagery. Bukowski uses a wide range of metaphors and images throughout the poem to help convey his ideas and emotions. For example, he compares poetry to a wild animal, and he talks about how rejection is like a knife that can cut deep.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Poetry, As The Poems Go” is a modern masterpiece of poetry. Bukowski’s writing is raw and unfiltered, and he has a unique ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his work. The poem is a reflection on the struggle of the writer, and it touches on themes of rejection, loneliness, and the toll that life can take on an artist. Through its use of language, structure, and metaphor, the poem is a powerful and evocative work that speaks to the heart of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry As The Poems Go: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the legendary American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, unfiltered, and often controversial works that explore the gritty realities of life. His poem "Poetry As The Poems Go" is a prime example of his unique style and perspective. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, language, and imagery to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "Poetry is what happens when nothing else can." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its role in human life. Bukowski suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but a way of coping with the harshness and absurdity of existence. When everything else fails, poetry remains as a source of solace and meaning.
The next few lines of the poem describe the process of writing poetry. Bukowski compares it to "digging a hole in the ground," a metaphor that suggests the effort and persistence required to create something meaningful. He also acknowledges the role of inspiration, which he describes as a "little flame" that ignites the creative process. However, he emphasizes that inspiration alone is not enough; it must be combined with hard work and discipline to produce something worthwhile.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Bukowski reflects on the challenges and obstacles that poets face. He describes the "fear of madness" that haunts many writers, as well as the "fear of not being able to finish." These fears are not unfounded, as Bukowski himself struggled with alcoholism, depression, and writer's block throughout his life. However, he suggests that these struggles are also what make poetry so powerful and meaningful. It is through confronting our demons that we can create something that resonates with others.
The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous and controversial. Bukowski declares that "poetry is what happens when nothing else can," but then adds, "it's not enough." This line has been interpreted in many ways, but it seems to suggest that while poetry can provide comfort and meaning, it cannot solve all of life's problems. Bukowski acknowledges that poetry is often seen as a "luxury" or a "hobby" rather than a necessity, but he argues that it is essential for those who feel the need to express themselves in this way.
The poem then shifts to a more hopeful tone as Bukowski describes the power of poetry to connect people and create a sense of community. He writes, "we are all in this together," suggesting that poetry can bridge the gaps between individuals and bring them closer. He also emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in poetry, stating that "if your shit is any good, it's because you are connected to something." This line reflects Bukowski's belief that poetry should come from a place of truth and personal experience, rather than trying to conform to external standards or expectations.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action for poets and readers alike. Bukowski urges us to "keep those words flowing," to continue creating and consuming poetry even in the face of adversity. He acknowledges that the world can be a harsh and unforgiving place, but suggests that poetry can provide a glimmer of hope and beauty amidst the chaos. He ends the poem with the line, "there's no other way," suggesting that poetry is not just a choice, but a necessity for those who feel the need to express themselves in this way.
In terms of structure, "Poetry As The Poems Go" is a free-verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. This reflects Bukowski's rejection of traditional poetic forms and his desire to create something that is raw and authentic. The poem is divided into six stanzas of varying lengths, each with its own distinct theme and tone. This structure allows Bukowski to explore different aspects of poetry and its role in human life, while also creating a sense of progression and development.
The language and imagery in the poem are also notable for their simplicity and directness. Bukowski uses everyday language and colloquialisms to convey his message, which gives the poem a sense of immediacy and accessibility. He also employs vivid and sometimes shocking imagery to create a sense of urgency and intensity. For example, he describes the process of writing poetry as "digging a hole in the ground," a metaphor that suggests both the effort and the potential for discovery.
In conclusion, "Poetry As The Poems Go" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the nature of poetry and its role in human life. Bukowski's raw and unfiltered style, combined with his unique perspective on the world, makes this poem a powerful and thought-provoking work of art. Whether you are a poet or a reader, this poem is sure to resonate with you and inspire you to keep those words flowing. As Bukowski himself said, "there's no other way."
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