'An Almost Made Up Poem' by Charles Bukowski

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I see you drinking at a fountain with tiny

blue hands, no, your hands are not tiny

they are small, and the fountain is in France

where you wrote me that last letter and

I answered and never heard from you again.

you used to write insane poems about

ANGELS AND GOD, all in upper case, and you

knew famous artists and most of them

were your lovers, and I wrote back, it’ all right,

go ahead, enter their lives, I’ not jealous

because we’ never met. we got close once in

New Orleans, one half block, but never met, never

touched. so you went with the famous and wrote

about the famous, and, of course, what you found out

is that the famous are worried about

their fame –– not the beautiful young girl in bed

with them, who gives them

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Almost Made Up Poem by Charles Bukowski

Introduction

One of the most widely known and celebrated poets of the twentieth century, Charles Bukowski, has given a new dimension to the realm of poetry through his works. Bukowski's poetry, which is often characterized by its rawness and honesty, has been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. One of his most notable works, "An Almost Made Up Poem," has garnered a lot of attention from critics and readers alike.

"An Almost Made Up Poem" is a powerful and emotive piece of writing that touches on themes of isolation, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze Bukowski's poem, exploring the themes and motifs that underpin it and examining its literary devices and techniques.

Form and Style

Bukowski's "An Almost Made Up Poem" is written in free verse, a form that allows the poet to explore their subject matter without the constraints of structure or rhyme. This style of writing gives the poem a sense of freedom and fluidity, which is fitting for the content of the poem. Bukowski's use of repetition and the absence of punctuation also contributes to the poem's overall tone and message.

Theme and Motifs

The theme of isolation is central to "An Almost Made Up Poem." The opening lines of the poem, "I see you drinking at a fountain with tiny/blue hands, no, your hands are not tiny they are small," sets the scene for a poem that explores the loneliness and isolation of the individual. The image of the speaker watching someone from a distance drinking from a fountain suggests a sense of detachment and separation.

Bukowski also touches on the theme of mortality in the lines, "you will die like a dog for no good reason." This line is both poignant and powerful, highlighting the harsh reality of life and the inevitability of death. The use of the word "dog" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of worthlessness and insignificance, reminding the reader of their own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence.

Another motif that runs throughout the poem is that of the broken and discarded. The image of the "broken bottle" and the "discarded glove" both suggest a sense of waste and abandonment. The use of these images highlights the disposable nature of modern life, where objects and people are often seen as replaceable and expendable.

Literary Devices and Techniques

Bukowski employs a number of literary devices and techniques in "An Almost Made Up Poem" to enhance the impact of his words. The use of repetition is particularly effective, drawing attention to key phrases and ideas. The repetition of the phrase "no good reason" reinforces the idea of the senselessness of life and death.

The use of enjambment, where the end of one line runs into the next without punctuation, creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. This technique is used to great effect in the lines, "you will forget the flowers in the morning, ash/ in the wind." The abrupt end to the first line and the continuation of the sentence on the next line creates a sense of finality and inevitability.

Bukowski also uses metaphor and imagery to great effect in the poem. The image of the "tiny/blue hands" is particularly striking, creating a vivid image of the person drinking from the fountain. The use of the word "blue" suggests a sense of coldness or indifference, reinforcing the theme of isolation and detachment.

Interpretation

"An Almost Made Up Poem" is a poignant and powerful poem that captures the essence of the human condition. Bukowski's exploration of themes such as isolation, mortality, and the disposable nature of modern life is both raw and honest. The use of literary devices and techniques such as repetition, enjambment, and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, enhancing its impact.

Ultimately, Bukowski's "An Almost Made Up Poem" is a meditation on the harsh realities of life and the inevitability of death. The poem speaks to the human experience, reminding us of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of existence. It is a powerful and emotive piece of writing that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir up thoughts, and inspire change. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "An Almost Made Up Poem" by Charles Bukowski. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life, love, and the human experience. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this classic piece of literature.

The poem begins with the line "I see you drinking at a fountain with tiny blue hands." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately captures the reader's attention and creates a vivid image in their mind. The use of the word "tiny" to describe the hands is significant, as it suggests that the person being described is delicate and vulnerable. The color blue is often associated with sadness or melancholy, which could suggest that the person is going through a difficult time.

The next line reads, "no, your hands are not tiny, they are small, and the fountain is in France where you wrote me that last letter and I answered and never heard from you again." This line is a stark contrast to the previous one, as it reveals that the hands are not actually tiny but small. This could suggest that the person is not as delicate as they initially appeared, and that they are capable of handling their own problems. The mention of France and the last letter adds a sense of nostalgia and longing to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker has fond memories of the person they are describing.

The following lines read, "you used to write insane poems about ANGELS AND GOD, all in upper case, and you knew famous artists and most of them were your lovers, and I wrote back, it's all right, go ahead, enter their lives, I'm not jealous because we've never met." This section of the poem reveals a lot about the speaker's character. They seem to be understanding and accepting of the person's choices, even if it means they will be with other people. The mention of angels and God suggests that the person was deeply spiritual, and perhaps even a little eccentric. The fact that they knew famous artists and had relationships with them adds to their mystique and allure.

The next lines read, "we got close once in New Orleans, one half block, but never met, never touched. so you went with the famous and wrote about the famous, and, of course, what you found out is that the famous are worried about their fame - not the beautiful young girl in bed with them, who gives them that, and then awakens in the morning to write upper-case poems about ANGELS AND GOD." This section of the poem is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the person the speaker is describing is more interested in fame and success than in genuine human connection. The fact that they never met in person despite being so close adds to the sense of missed opportunity and regret.

The final lines of the poem read, "we know God is dead, they've told us, but listening to you I wasn't sure. maybe it was the upper-case letters. you were one of the few poets who didn't want poetry to be a substitute for god." This section of the poem is perhaps the most significant, as it reveals the true meaning and message of the poem. The speaker suggests that the person they are describing had a unique perspective on life and spirituality. They did not see poetry as a substitute for God, but rather as a way to explore and understand the world around them. The use of upper-case letters suggests that the person was passionate and intense in their beliefs, which could be seen as both admirable and intimidating.

In conclusion, "An Almost Made Up Poem" by Charles Bukowski is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life, love, and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Bukowski creates a portrait of a person who is both alluring and flawed. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and inspire change, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and meaning to be found.

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