'40,000' by Charles Bukowski
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at the track today,
Father's Day,
each paid admission was
entitled to a wallet
and each contained a
little surprise.
most of the men seemed
between 30 and 55,
going to fat,
many of them in walking
shorts,
they had gone stale in
life,
flattened out....
in fact, damn it, they
aren't even worth writing
about!
why am I doing
this?
these don't even
deserve a death bed,
these little walking
whales,
only there are so
many of
them,
in the urinals,
in the food lines,
they have managed to
survive
in a most limited
sense
but when you see
so many of them
like that,
there and not there,
breathing, farting,
commenting,
waiting for a thunder
that will not arrive,
waiting for the charging
white horse of
Glory,
waiting for the lovely
female that is not
there,
waiting to WIN,
waiting for the great
dream to
engulf them
but they do nothing,
they clomp in their
sandals,
gnaw at hot dogs
dog style,
gulping at the
meat,
they complain about
losing,
blame the jocks,
drink green
beer,
the parking lot is
jammed with their
unpaid for
cars,
the jocks mount
again for another
race,
the men press
toward the betting
windows
mesmerized,
fathers and non-fathers
Monday is waiting
for them,
this is the last
big lark.
and the horses are
totally
beautiful.
it is shocking how
beautiful they
are
at that time,
at that place,
their life shines
through;
miracles happen,
even in
hell.
I decide to stay for
one more
race.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpreting the Raw and Raunchy "Poetry, 40,000" by Charles Bukowski
Have you ever read a poem that shocks you with its rawness and honesty, yet captures your attention with its simplicity and relatability? That's what Charles Bukowski's "Poetry, 40,000" does to me every time I read it. This poem, like most of Bukowski's works, is a reflection of his own life experiences, his struggles, and his unapologetic attitude towards society's norms. In this literary criticism, I will delve deeper into the themes, style, and language of "Poetry, 40,000," and explore the messages Bukowski conveys through his words.
Themes
At the surface level, "Poetry, 40,000" is a poem about the number of poems Bukowski claims to have written in his lifetime. Yet, the poem touches upon several underlying themes, such as the purpose of poetry, the struggle of the artist, and the relationship between the artist and society. Bukowski's bold and straightforward writing style, coupled with his use of vulgar language and graphic imagery, adds to the impact of these themes.
The Purpose of Poetry
Bukowski questions the purpose of poetry in "Poetry, 40,000," asking whether it is for "fame or money" or simply "a way of keeping the soul alive." He implies that poetry is a means of self-expression, a way of channeling one's emotions, and releasing them into the world. However, he also acknowledges the commercial aspect of poetry, the expectation of poets to produce works that will sell and earn them acclaim.
The Struggle of the Artist
The poem highlights the struggles and sacrifices that artists make in pursuit of their craft. Bukowski describes himself as a "machine" that produces poems day and night, disregarding his personal health and well-being. He also mentions the lack of recognition and support that many artists face, as they strive to create unique works that challenge societal norms.
The Relationship Between the Artist and Society
Bukowski's poem touches upon the complex relationship between artists and society, as he questions whether poetry is "for the people or for the poet." He seems to suggest that poetry is both a reflection of society and a means of critiquing it. He also acknowledges the divide between the artist and the public, as many people may not understand or appreciate the artist's work.
Style and Language
Bukowski's writing style is raw, unpolished, and unapologetic. He uses simple language and vivid imagery to convey his thoughts and emotions, often relying on vulgar language and graphic descriptions. This style adds to the impact of his message, as it is both accessible and relatable to the reader. The poem is also written in free verse, without any strict rhyme or meter, allowing Bukowski to express himself freely.
Vulgar Language and Graphic Imagery
Bukowski's use of vulgar language and graphic imagery may be off-putting to some readers, yet it is essential to the impact of his message. He uses profanity to convey his frustration and anger towards societal norms, and graphic imagery to paint a vivid picture of his experiences. For example, he describes his hands as "wrinkled and spotted with age" and his brain as "burned-out." He also uses vivid images of blood, sweat, and tears to describe the process of writing poetry.
Free Verse
Bukowski's use of free verse allows him to express himself without the constraints of traditional forms of poetry. He varies his line lengths, uses enjambment to create a sense of momentum, and breaks lines unexpectedly to create emphasis. This style adds to the conversational tone of the poem and makes it more accessible to the reader.
Interpretation
"Poetry, 40,000" is a reflection of Bukowski's own life experiences, as he struggled to make a living as a writer while battling personal demons. The poem speaks to the struggles of all artists, as they strive to create works that are both meaningful and financially viable. Bukowski's use of vulgar language and graphic imagery may be shocking, yet it is essential to conveying the rawness and honesty of his message. The poem also touches upon the complex relationship between the artist and society, as Bukowski questions whether poetry is for the people or for the poet.
In my interpretation, "Poetry, 40,000" is a reminder that art is not always pretty or polished. It is a reflection of the human experience, with all its flaws and imperfections. Bukowski's poem is a call to arms for all artists, urging them to create works that are true to themselves and their experiences, regardless of societal expectations. It is a reminder that the purpose of art is not only to entertain but to challenge and provoke thought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, 40,000" is a raw and raunchy poem that captures the essence of Charles Bukowski's writing style. It is a reflection of his own struggles as a writer, as well as the struggles of all artists. Bukowski's use of vulgar language and graphic imagery may be shocking, yet it is essential to the impact of his message. The poem is a reminder that art is not always pretty, and that its purpose is to challenge and provoke thought. "Poetry, 40,000" is a testament to the power of poetry as a means of self-expression and a reflection of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry 40,000: A Masterpiece by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, the legendary American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his raw, gritty, and unapologetic style of writing. His works often explore the themes of alcoholism, poverty, and the human condition. One of his most celebrated works is the collection of poems titled "Love is a Dog From Hell," which includes the iconic poem "Poetry 40,000." In this analysis, we will delve into the depths of this masterpiece and explore its meaning, significance, and impact.
The poem "Poetry 40,000" is a powerful and poignant commentary on the state of poetry and the role of the poet in society. The poem begins with the lines, "the best often die by their own hand / just to get away, / and those left behind / can never quite understand / why anybody would ever want to / get away / from / them." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the loneliness and isolation that many poets experience.
Bukowski goes on to describe the life of a poet, which he portrays as a solitary and often painful existence. He writes, "the loneliness is just / too much to bear / some poets die from it / others endure / but all are affected / by it." This portrayal of the poet as a tortured soul is a common theme in Bukowski's work, and it reflects his own experiences as a struggling writer.
The poem then takes a turn, as Bukowski begins to critique the state of poetry in contemporary society. He writes, "the problem with poetry is / that it has become / the literary equivalent of the / emperor's new clothes." Bukowski is suggesting that poetry has become a pretentious and elitist art form, one that is inaccessible to the average person. He goes on to say that "most of it is / unreadable / crap / written by / fools." This scathing critique of the state of poetry is a reflection of Bukowski's own frustration with the literary establishment and his desire to create a more honest and authentic form of poetry.
The poem then shifts again, as Bukowski begins to explore the role of the poet in society. He writes, "the role of the poet / is to make a statement / to speak the truth / to be a voice / for those who have none." Bukowski is suggesting that the poet has a responsibility to use their art to speak out against injustice and to give a voice to the marginalized and oppressed. This is a powerful message, and one that is still relevant today.
The poem ends with the lines, "the best often die by their own hand / just to get away, / and those left behind / can never quite understand / why anybody would ever want to / get away / from / them." These lines bring the poem full circle, as Bukowski returns to the theme of loneliness and isolation. The repetition of the opening lines serves to emphasize the sense of despair and hopelessness that many poets feel.
In conclusion, "Poetry 40,000" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a powerful and poignant commentary on the state of poetry and the role of the poet in society. Bukowski's raw and unapologetic style of writing is on full display here, as he critiques the literary establishment and calls for a more honest and authentic form of poetry. The poem is a reflection of Bukowski's own experiences as a struggling writer, and it speaks to the universal human experience of loneliness and isolation. "Poetry 40,000" is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, and it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Charles Bukowski.
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